The lead singer of a popular Merseyside band has spoken out against Liverpool City Council over its alleged support for the redevelopment of a prominent music studio...

A spokesman for Liverpool’s Princes Studios confirmed earlier this month that planning permission has been granted to a property development firm, and that a case manager from the council had told them that they were in favour of the redevelopment.

A major petition has been kicked off to block the proposals from music fans in the city earlier this month.

Now, Andy Higgins, 27, singer of ‘The Jackobins’ has accused the council of “hypocrisy”. Andy has alleged that the redevelopment of the studio could result in up to 40 bands being left with nowhere to go.

“My issue with the council is that they fully support the redevelopment of the building.

“They promised us that they would help relocate many of the bands within the studios, but I’ve not been able to get in touch with the council representative who informed us of this. It’s been a real nightmare.”

“Currently no bands are being helped. It’s almost like the council are trying to push artists out of the city.

The guitarist, Veselin Mihaylov, of The Jackobins - who are enjoying acclaimed success and will this year be playing at a festival headlined by The Enemy - set up the petition demanding the council to deny planning permission to convert the studio from its current use, which has attracted more than 2700 signatures.

“This place is a home for creativity and has the potential to be a real hub for the arts community,” Andy added.

“Some bands have been here for 15 years, so if the studio says open we’d definitely look at setting up a charitable organisation which would lease the building from the owners.

“That way we could apply for charitable funding and things like that to fund any improvements that may be needed.”

Liverpool City Council was contacted for comment but did not respond by the time of publication