BURY North MP James Frith has thrown his support behind a bill aimed at protecting local music venues.

The Planning (Agent of Change) Bill, which aims to change planning laws, was presented to the House of Commons by Labour MP John Spellar on Wednesday.

It proposes that developers must take account of the impact of any new scheme on pre-existing businesses, such as music venues, before going ahead with their plans.

As well receiving cross-party support from MPs, the bill has also been backed by the likes of Sir Paul McCartney, Chrissie Hynde, Billy Bragg, Ray Davies, and Craig David.

Campaign group UK Music say that, over the last decade, there has been a 35 per cent decline in grassroots music venues in the UK and that existing planning laws are often a key factor struggling music venues must contend with.

Mr Frith is a former musician himself, and prior to entering politics, performed at venues and festivals across the country, including Glastonbury, as lead singer in rock band Finka, and later, the Fusileers.

Speaking at the launch of the bill outside Parliament on Wednesday, he said: “I welcome the introduction of the agent of change bill as a vital means of protecting the future of our best-loved grassroots music venues in Bury and elsewhere.

"As a former musician I played at many small venues in Greater Manchester and across the country and recognise their value.

"All too often planning laws have placed unreasonable demands on small venues, threatening the development of our world-beating music industry.

“I am pleased that this bill recognises the challenges that music venues face. I call on the Government to secure its speedy passage into law.”