Music lessons for children are one step closer to being cut, despite the best efforts of campaigners and councillors.

East Sussex county councillor Bob Standley decided at his lead member meeting yesterday to go out to public consultation on the future of East Sussex Music Service’s individual and small group lessons.

They are at risk because of a lack of central Government funding.

A samba band made up of young people who use the service played outside County Hall in Lewes, where the meeting was being held, to protest against the cuts.

Jane Humberstone, curriculum development manager at the service, said: “Alternative plans have been worked out and submitted and I know we could find the savings we need without closing the service.

“We have an army of supporters that I hope will carry on campaigning.”

In the last few years, the service has made £600,000 savings through restructuring and efficiencies but a further saving of £180,000 is now needed, according to a council report.

It said if cuts are not made, the service will be in deficit by around £100,000 by 2019.

The report recommends two potential solutions.

Option A involves further restructures and efficiency measures, while Option B encompasses both these and the closure of the individual and small group instrumental teaching service.

Currently, 3,221 children and young people are learning an instrument through the service.

A petition opposing the cuts surpassed 10,000 signatures, the number needed to trigger a full council debate on the issue.

But Cllr Standley, lead member for education, decided to press on with the consultation, despite several councillors suggesting the full council debate should take place first to identify solutions to keep the service going.

Lib Dem Councillor Alan Shuttleworth said: “If you proceed with this consultation, it sends the wrong message.

“We need to show that we are genuinely listening to the public about alternative solutions.

“For such a relatively small financial gain, it does not make sense given the knock-on effect on the good work of the service.”

Councillor Ruth O’Keeffe, leader of the Independent Group, said: “I am utterly against Option B.

“If that went ahead, we would be depriving children of access to learning opportunities.

“We seem to be discounting other options.”

But despite saying he was “very open” to hearing about alternative solutions, Cllr Standley has approved the consultation to go ahead next month.