Both Cerys Matthews and Radio 1 DJ Huw Stephens are backing a campaign to save a live music venue in Cardiff, which is facing closure after a handful of residents in a new neighbouring apartment block complained about noise levels. That complaint has led to a noise abatement order being issued against The Point, and the venue's owners will go to the local courts on 21 May in a bid to find a way to continue to operate but while fulfilling the local authority's noise demands.
Since news of the abatement order broke support has been growing for The Point, among Cardiff's music community who say the city lacks any other venue of a similar size, and even among others who live near the venue, who say they have no problems with noise levels there. In a bid to show to the court that complaints are coming from a minority who are new to the area, The Point's management have set up a petition where music fans can support their case - http://www.keepthepointalive.com.
Giving her support to the venue, Matthews told reporters: "I performed at the Point in 2006. It's a wonderful venue - you can sing to the heavens and look out across the crowd to magnificent stained glass windows. It's taken Cardiff such a long time to have somewhere special for musicians to perform. Everything must be done to keep music alive in the capital of Wales".
Radio 1 DJ Huw Stephens said: "The venue is envied by all who go there to play. It brings touring bands from across the world to Cardiff, not to mention homegrown talent like the Manics, Cerys, Super Furry Animals and the best Welsh promoters. It is the only venue of its capacity in Cardiff and I hope it survives".