OTLEY'S MP has pledged his backing to a local arts and education centre.

Alex Sobel (Lab, Leeds North West) visited the Woolpack Music Studios recently to find out more about the activities held there.

The Bondgate venue was opened in 2011 by the Big Hoo-ha Company, a community interest organisation led by Richard Sabey.

During his visit the MP heard about the Woolpack's rock school, which lets young people learn, write and perform songs, and a new programme that has been set up to encourage younger children to take up music.

He said: "The arts and arts education has been decimated by this Government in recent years.

"Arts Council England has lost in real terms a £7.2 million grant in aid since 2010.

"Add to that the £214 million cut to Leeds City Council - that’s 47 per cent of its core funding - and you get an idea of what the Woolpack and other centres for the arts are up against.

"The great work that Richard and Jen Birch, the Centre Manager, are doing at the Woolpack, even in the most difficult of circumstances, shows just how important it is to involve people, especially the young, in the arts.

"To engage young people in learning we need to work through a variety of mediums such as music, sport, drama and art.

"Maths and literacy are extremely important, but a well-rounded education has to include more."

He added: "The Woolpack is a cornerstone of the community and we need to make sure places like this are secure for generations to come.

"That’s why I'm backing Labour’s plan to reverse these cuts and create an ‘arts pupil premium’ in schools so every child has the opportunity to pick up an instrument and learn."

Mr Sabey said: "We are always looking for creative ways to widen our offer and reach more young people.

"With budgets so tight, securing funding is more competitive than ever so we are happy Alex is willing to offer us his support.

"We love working with people of all ages across the community to make sure we keep Otley a vibrant and happy place to live."