A historic organ used throughout 30 years of radio broadcasts will not now be finding a new home in Tavistock.

The eight-pipe Compton organ was housed in the Royal/ABC Cinema in Plymouth, until its removal in February 2006.

It was destined to be installed at Trinity Music College's concert hall at Blackheath in London, but the project fell foul of financial cuts and is now up for disposal.

Tavistock Town Council had expressed an interest in taking on the organ, after an approach by the Tamar Organ Club, and investigations were undertaken to see if the instrument could practically be installed in the town hall.

But at this week's meeting of the council, members heard that costs had escalated.

Town clerk Carl Hearn said: 'We have certainly had a recommendation from the town hall manager, saying the business case for having the organ is probably weak and probably not of benefit to the council in terms of usage of the town hall.

'Originally we hadn't anticipated that the cost of installation could be in the region of £50,000 and of course there would be some form of maintenance and management costs.

'Even if the group which is sponsoring this could raise the £50,000, who would then bear the cost of maintenance as well?'

Cllr David Whitcomb had been keen to see the organ, which has been described as 'one of the finest built by the John Compton Organ Company' with 'tones ranging from the grand and stately to the sweet and mellow' brought to Tavistock.

He told councillors that he was the mayor when the organ issue first came before the council, and he was 'extremely interested' in installing that type of machine.

He said: 'I thought at the time the costs would be between £6,000 and £10,000, but I think I must say, we can't afford £50,000.'

Deputy mayor Cllr Anne Johnson said: 'I think it's become far too expensive, it would take up precious space in the town hall — I don't think it's right for us.'

The council agreed negotiations regarding the organ should be discontinued, on grounds of cost — the clerk will write to those parties involved in the instrument to inform them of the decision.