A rallying cry has gone out around Midsomer Norton to fight plans that could potentially see an end to live music at one of the area's only - and hugely popular - venues.

Mardons Social Club has been keeping live music live across the Somer Valley, with weekly band nights featuring all kinds of music, and all FOR FREE . Now the club is under threat with news that the developer that created the social space has put in a pre-planning application to convert the office spaces over the top of the social club into flats.

If successful the two floors above the club and bar would be turned into 14 flats, with management sure that this would in effect kill the club itself, because of the noise issues.

The application is for : Prior approval application for the change of use of 1st and 2nd floor of offices (Class E) to 14 no. dwellinghouses (Class C3).

Now the management team of Mardons - and many fans of the club - are appealing for locals to have their say and stop the change.

The application is being made by Diverse Group and emails can be sent for consultation under the application reference 22/03211/CDCOU

The application has already been opposed by the local Westfield Councillor, who perhaps is not known for her love of live bands but nonetheless is passionate in her response: Cllr Eleanor Jackson writes:

"This is an extremely controversial site, the original consent being given in 2014. The intention was that there should be employment areas to replace the original factory on the site. This building actually backs onto Sun Chemicals Ltd, Old Pit Lane, Westfield. The space designated for offices has never been used as offices because it is an empty shell without the lift which should have been installed. Neither the small businesses which inquired, nor the Big Local or Westfield Parish Council or even Somerset and Avon police ( in 2016) would be able to afford to do this. So the applicant cannot claim these are offices, or that they were properly marketed as such. It would be contrary to the Westfield Neighbourhood Plan, and I am fairly confident that Westfield Parish Council will oppose the application.

"There are big issues with parking in the area already. The flats would not have designated parking spaces, but it is quite a step to a bus stop outside Norton Hill School or down to the High Street, Midsomer Norton. The impact of the housing developments in Silver Street, especially those granted by Mendip District Council, will mean difficulties in finding school places or a GP However, without prejudice to the merits of this application, Mardons Social Club has over 1500 members as well as social groups who hire rooms or play skittles, and all will have an interest in the resolution Therefore it would be good for the matters of principle and policy involved for it to be debated in committee. "

The bands who have played Mardons come from all over the South West and include Voodoo Seven, Big Mama, The Off Shoots, the Haus Band and The Skinny Dippers. You can follow the campaign, find out more about how to help, and see what parties are planned HERE