PEOPLE in Hoyland are being asked if they would like to buy shares in a new "music co-operative" with a live venue.

Businessman Graham Hawkes, who runs Perrin's Bar on Market Street, is inviting bands and musicians to club together and fund their "very own live venue" in the town centre.

He has suggested that the top floor of his building, which is currently unused, could become a music venue as it was in years gone by.

The three storey building has over the years housed a medieval theme restaurant, a bar, a nightclub and an antiques shop, and was originally a Methodist Church.

Mr Hawkes said it could be used as a live venue at weekends and as a meeting rehearsal room during weekdays.

He said the amount of money needed to get the co-operative off the ground would be around £15,000 to £20,000 to include soundproofing, sound system, lights, alterations to the venue, stock and working capital, and then it would be self sufficient.

Mr Hawkes said: "For 30 bands it could work out at £500 per band or people could pay £100 per share. Bands could have as many as they wanted. I would have a few myself."

He is inviting people to come to a meeting and talk about the idea but wants to gauge how much interest there is first.

Anyone who wants to get involved should contact him by e-mailing livemusicvenue@outlook.com