Help Save The Rehearsal Rooms — Reconnect Our Power

Help needed to restore electricity & keep the music alive

Hi, I’m Neil. I have run The Rehearsal Rooms in Bury St. Edmunds for 20 years — a space we built for musicians, teachers, bands, and the grassroots music community.

I never thought I’d be writing this. Honestly, I feel really uncomfortable asking for help like this. It feels cheeky, and I carry a heavy sense of failure even doing it — but the truth is, I’ve been left with no other choice.

What has happened?

For months, I’ve been dealing with a broken electricity meter that Yorkshire Gas & Power (YGP) have failed to replace, despite the Ombudsman ruling in my favour that they must.

In the meantime, according to YGP, I’ve been charged estimated bills up to three times my normal usage, totalling a disputed amount of £4,858.

When I challenged this, they didn’t fix the issue. Instead, without a proper warrant or the required 7-day disconnection notice, they broke into my premises and cut off my power. The police are now investigating this as an unlawful forced entry.

Who’s Helping Me Fight?

Citizens' Advice is backing me.

My local MP, Dr. Peter Prinsley, is considering taking the YGP issue to Parliament as I am not the only one having issues.

The Energy Ombudsman has ruled in my favour and have ordered YGP to do the following:

They have done everything except fit a new meter, which would resolve the issue.

I’ve provided evidence, appealed, and tried every option, but YGP won’t reconnect my power unless I pay upfront £4858, regardless of their legal and ethical failures. They are holding me to ransom on the new meter with the estimated amount.

I’m setting the target to cover:

The full reconnection demand

Fuel and extension cables to keep us running on a generator in the short term

Any early legal costs or replacement equipment losses

Why This Matters

The Rehearsal Rooms isn’t just a business — it’s a creative hub. It’s where:

Bands rehearse and better themselves.

Teachers inspire the next generation.

Gigs and jam nights keep local music alive.

Since the disconnection, I’ve bought a generator and stayed open, helping bands continue sessions. But this isn’t sustainable — I urgently need to get us back on mains power to survive.

Please Help If You Can

Even writing this hurts a little, but I need help to get through it. I’m not asking for a handout. I’m asking for a lifeline because I’ve done everything I can to fight this on my own. I am in the process of taking this to small claims court, and I have reported the unlawful entry to the police as a crime (no warrant).

If you’ve ever played here, taught here, recorded here — or believe in protecting independent music — please consider supporting or sharing no matter how small the donation.

Thank you for reading. I am doing everything possible to stay here and to progress through this.

With so much gratitude,

Neil @ The Rehearsal Rooms