| Picket
under threat |
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| The
Picket |
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Liverpool
music venue The Picket faces an uncertain future as the owners of
the building consider selling up. |
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The future
of Liverpool music venue The Picket is under threat, due to a cash
crisis at Merseyside's Trade Union and Employment Centre, the group
that owns the building in which The Picket is housed.
In the last four years Liverpool City Council's funding to the centre
has dwindled and new sources of income are not allowing the organisation
to break even.
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| The
Picket is part of the Hardman Street building |
The management
committee of the Peoples Centre, the group that owns the Hardman Street
building, are looking at several options including selling the building,
throwing into doubt the future of the Picket venue and Pinball Wizard
recording studio.
The Picket which began life as The Flying Picket has been part of
Liverpool's music scene since the 1980's. In the late 1990's the Picket
was refurbished and re-opened by Radio 1 DJ John Peel. The Picket
Complex features a live music venue, 2 bars and a courtyard with beer
garden and attached recording studio.
Speaking to BBC Radio Merseyside in late September when the sale was
first mooted Bob Braddock, co-ordinator of the Peoples Centre who
sits on the management committee said "We are starting discussions
about whether we would have to move from these premises."
"This is very early days. Whether we're selling the building
or part of the building is something over which we need to have full
discussions with people"
Anthony Wilson who ran Manchester Hacienda and Factory records said
"It would be a tragedy if the Picket were to close. It proves
that normally Liverpool has better guitar band venues than Manchester."
Supporters of the venue are organising a campaign asking people to
e-mail Council leader Mike Storey, Sir Bob Scott and local MP Louise
Ellman in a bid to save the venue. The campaign includes a website
www.savethepicket.com.
The final decision on whether to sell the building is likely to be
made at a meeting on October 22nd.
The Picket has been important in nurturing new talent in Liverpool
with many local acts playing their first live gigs at the venue including
The La's, Cast, Space, The Farm,The Coral, and The Stairs.
The Picket also runs special Dry Bar gigs for under 18's. |
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