Sheffield's first free community Street Piano was set to be removed by the City Council. But after a concerted campaign of popular resisdence, the authority has changed its tune. Realising that this piano is a contribution not a threat to neighbourhood life, they have decided: The Street Piano CAN STAY!!
This is a victory for autonomous DIY grass-roots bottom-up initiatives.
This is a victory for autonomous DIY grass-roots bottom-up initiatives.
The following text is a press release issued by the Sheffield City Council, which was sent out to local media and to fans of the street-piano.
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4 July 2006
COUNCIL IN TUNE WITH STREET PIANO
The Sharrow Vale Road Street Piano has been granted a stay of execution by Sheffield City Council.
The instrument was dumped on the street making it liable for removal, but then seemed to acquire local celebrity status. It has now won a reprieve after supporters of the piano called on the Council to "let it be".
Now the Council are hoping to restore harmony to the area by allowing the piano to stay - as long as its supporters continue to look after it and there are no complaints from local residents and businesses.
Councillor Bryan Lodge, Sheffield City Council's Cabinet Member for Streetscene and Green Spaces, said: "The piano seems to have gained cult status in Sharrow Vale Road. It was dumped on the pavement with no-one claiming ownership, and was used for entertainment by passers-by.
"These issues are not always black and white and we are not above having a bit of fun. We have received no complaints from members of the public about it causing an obstruction. So as long as it continues to be used for enjoyment and doesn't get vandalised or damaged, or creates a disturbance, we are prepared to let it stay where it is."
Ends
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Well, that was the Council's press release. For more info, check out the Street Piano website:
www.streetpianos.org
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4 July 2006
COUNCIL IN TUNE WITH STREET PIANO
The Sharrow Vale Road Street Piano has been granted a stay of execution by Sheffield City Council.
The instrument was dumped on the street making it liable for removal, but then seemed to acquire local celebrity status. It has now won a reprieve after supporters of the piano called on the Council to "let it be".
Now the Council are hoping to restore harmony to the area by allowing the piano to stay - as long as its supporters continue to look after it and there are no complaints from local residents and businesses.
Councillor Bryan Lodge, Sheffield City Council's Cabinet Member for Streetscene and Green Spaces, said: "The piano seems to have gained cult status in Sharrow Vale Road. It was dumped on the pavement with no-one claiming ownership, and was used for entertainment by passers-by.
"These issues are not always black and white and we are not above having a bit of fun. We have received no complaints from members of the public about it causing an obstruction. So as long as it continues to be used for enjoyment and doesn't get vandalised or damaged, or creates a disturbance, we are prepared to let it stay where it is."
Ends
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Well, that was the Council's press release. For more info, check out the Street Piano website:
www.streetpianos.org
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