Famous venue being sold

Paul McCartney is among the venue's supporters

A famous Liverpool music venue is to be sold because its owner can no longer afford to run it.

The Picket - where bands such as The Las, The Coral and Cast have played - is part of the city's trade union-run People's Centre, in Hardman Street.

The centre - which provides a wide range of advice, resources and support services to people - has been embroiled in a cash crisis for several weeks.

Equipment and other facilities at the Picket - which includes a recording studio - were provided by supporters such as Sir Paul McCartney, Pete Townshend, Elvis Costello and Yoko Ono.

One option that was considered to ease the cash problems was to sell up and set up at cheaper premises.

Something that has given a great service to the people of Liverpool is being left to die Phil Hayes, Picket manager

Picket manager Phil Hayes said it would be a "devastating" loss to the city if the centre closes.

"The city will lose a recording studio, a live music venue, a festival and regular gigs for kids," he told BBC Radio Merseyside.

"So the effect will be bad on the city's social fabric and it will be bad on the long term nurturing of new, young bands.

"Something that has given a great service to the people of Liverpool is being left to die."

But the manager of the People's Centre, Bob Braddock, said on Wednesday drastic action was necessary.

He said: "I've had over 100 letters asking me not to close the Picket, but I'd say to those people, fine you're pushing at an open door, but tell me how we raise the money to keep that?"