MUSICIANS were dumbstruck this week after Halton Council gave them six months to turn the Queens Hall Studio into a concert venue.

Community music group Loose Music Collective says it has been battling to take over the council-run facility in Lacey Street, Widnes, since it was closed down almost two years ago.

The non-profit-making group secured a £10,000 grant for a sound system - but fear this may now have expired.

Jaki Florek, of Loose Music, said: "We will call a Loose Music meeting which means that absolutely anyone who is interested can come along."

Call 01928-566261 for details.

Loose has been given six months to secure funding, meet all the statutory requirements and carry out renovation work needed to fulfil requirements.

Council leader, Cllr Tony McDermott, said: "We are offering Loose this opportunity and we very much hope they will be successful and achieve something that will meet the needs of the music community."

Developers Marmalade had unveiled multi-million pound plans to create a lavish art deco style cinema, comedy club and cyber caf in the adjoining Queens Hall. Their plans had included the Studio.

Talks about the future of this building are still underway, says the council.

bjordan@worldgroup.co.uk