Noise annoys - but not as much as nimby neighbours

It's now more than five years since the Point in Cardiff closed its doors, but I'm no less angry and bitter about the demise of probably my favourite ever gig venue. The closure was ultimately forced by the noise complaints from a smattering of individuals who had moved into neighbouring properties. More recently, the Night & Day in Manchester's rapidly gentrifying Northern Quarter has come under threat for the same reason.

But now the Music Venue Trust are fighting back with a petition calling for a review and amendment of the existing Noise Abatement legislation to redress the balance, so everything is no longer so heavily weighted in favour of the lone nimby. If you like live music - any kind of live music - then you should sign.