THE possible installation of a historic Compton organ in Tavistock Town Hall could be hit by financial implications, a meeting in the town heard last week.

The organ, which was for many years situated in the ABC Cinema in Plymouth, is in need of a new home.

The organ's current owner Peter Hammond last year approached the town council to see if members would like to see the instrument situated in the town hall.

Members have expressed an interest in principle to the idea —and Mr Hammond recently undertook a site visit at the venue.

In a letter to councillors, he said: 'This was my first visit to the hall and I was most impressed.

'It is a superb venue and I feel would make a very good home for this wonderful instrument, both musically and in terms of local interest.'

Mr Hammond recommended that the organ's pipe chambers should be situated in the hall's roof void — but he had reservations about using digital sound generation until the installation of the pipes could take place.

He said: 'I don't think your PA system as it stands will produce a particularly good sound for an organ.

'Furthermore, I would not want any possibility of the pipes never being installed, due to the digital sounds being regarded as sufficient.

'Believe me, there would be little comparison between the digital sounds pumped through the PA system and the real pipe organ sound!'

Mr Hammond said he accepted that the main problem with the project would be finance.

He said: 'Much as it would be great from my point of view for all the restoration and installation money to come from Tavistock council, I fully appreciate that this is unlikely to be possible in the current economic climate.

'However, if the council could participate in fundraising and perhaps contribute whatever funds it felt able to from time to time, we might get the project moving nicely.'

Mr Hammond said it was possible that funding might be forthcoming from individuals, businesses or heritage organisations.

He said the organ was 'part of your local heritage' and that its installation in the town hall would be a 'home-coming' that would be 'very well received'.

But councillors at last week's properties committee were concerned that finances surrounding the project appeared to be mounting.

Cllr John Sellis said: 'I am a bit worried we are getting sucked in here, and it's going to cost a lot of money.'

Cllr Sue Bailey, chairman of the committee, said: 'I think we were all a bit shaken by this.

'At the moment we are just being considered as a venue, but if it was to come to us, this would have to be considered.

'I think until we know it will definitely be offered to us, there's no point going down that road.'