The UK Album Chart's No. 1 Artist Example Joins Ministry of Sound to Present Massive 'Save our Club' Petition to Southwark Council

LONDON, September 15, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

Example and Ministry CEO Lohan Presencer to present 25,000 strong petition at Southwark Council's Head Office (160 Tooley Street, SE1 2TZ),
Friday 16^thSeptember at midday

The UK Album Chart's No.1 artist Example will be joining forces with Lohan Presencer, CEO of Ministry of Sound and staff from the club at midday tomorrow to present a 25,000 strong petition to Southwark Council.  The petition, signed by thousands of Southwark residents, local businesses and traders, and fans of Ministry of Sound from around the world calls on the Council to protect the club from the threat of closure posed by two planning applications for luxury flats nearby.

Ministry's 'Save Our Club' campaign was launched when property developers submitted plans for two high-rise luxury flat developments close to the club's Gaunt Street home.  If permission for these developments is granted, future residents would be able to submit noise nuisance claims which would ultimately force the club's closure, despite the fact that Ministry has been operating there for 20 years.

The 'Save Our Club' campaign has generated a massive groundswell of support for Ministry of Sound.  In addition to the 25,000 signatories to the petition, recording artists Example and Wretch 32 have lent their support along with global dance music heavyweights such as Armin van Buuren, Judge Jules, Above & Beyond and Zero 7.

After presenting the petition, Example will be heading over to meet the proprietor of a local business, Elephant and Castle Food and Wine.  Example and the local trader will be photographed together as part of a poster campaign to be displayed around Southwark (also featuring Wretch 32 and Judge Jules), demonstrating how the club is a vital part of the economic fabric of the local area.

The 'Save Our Club' campaign has already secured significant media exposure with coverage in The Guardian, Daily Mail, London Evening Standard and on BBC London Radio, plus a wealth of music industry features.

Example, No. 1 in the album charts with Playing in the Shadows, says:

"Ministry of Sound has been here for 20 years, leading the way in dance music and becoming a cultural ambassador we should all be proud of.

"Three generations of clubbers have had amazing times here.  Why would anyone want to jeopardise that for the sake of luxury flats that do nothing for local people?  These developers should know that we won't go quietly."

Lohan Presencer, Ministry of Sound Group's CEO says:

"It's ironic that we're fighting for our lives in the very week we should be celebrating our 20th anniversary and when one of our artists is at No. 1 in the album chart.

"I just hope that the Council will listen to all of these voices calling on them in unison to do the right thing and save our club."