3:10pm Tuesday 2nd October 2007
By Gemma Wheatley
A thriving steel band set up as a crime cutting community project is proving to be a headache for residents living close to its base in South Norwood.
The Comets has gone from strength to strength in the five years since it first occupied the sports pavilion in the corner of a playing field behind Auckland Road.
However, membership of the project has soared from 10 to 100 and noise from the Comets' longer and more frequent practice sessions has caused a steady flow of complaints from residents.
The project provides a variety of musical and artistic activities for local children and, with its aim of preventing vulnerable youngsters from falling into crime, and council officers are keen for it to continue.
But sadly, the council has received so many complaints that they have had to step in to limit the sessions until a solution is found, which can maintain the project but also give residents some peace and quiet.
It is hoping residents, businesses or organisations across the borough may be able to help by offering an answer to the Comets problems.
In the time that the band has rented the pavilion, it has smartened its appearance and it is no longer subjected to graffiti and arson attacks.
Comet managers said they were willing to spend more money on improving insulation but the building itself was never intended for anything more than sports use and subsidence means the council is facing a substantial outlay on repairs.
Councillor Steve O'Connell, deputy leader of the council, said: "It's ironic that the great success of this project has escalated into difficulties with local residents who, understandably, don't share the wide enthusiasm for the band when their peace and quiet is being disturbed.
"Sadly, it looks like the group may have outgrown their premises. The sports pavilion was ideal when the Comets just attracted a few youngsters but it's now bursting at the seams with the larger numbers.
"However, the last thing we want is for any action on our part to damage the project's prospects. We need to find a way out that keeps everyone happy.
"It's possible that well-insulated music rooms in local schools could be an answer. Officers are exploring possibilities with a view to discussing options with the Comets."
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