THE chairman of the Three Choirs Festival and Worcestershire's Magistrates' Assoc-iation has told the House of Lords about his "continuing misgivings" about a new Licensing Bill.

The bill currently going through Parlia-ment has raised fears that it will restrict the freedom of musicians to perform.

It also threatens to take responsibility for licensing away from magistrates and give it to local authorities.

Peter Vaughan, speaking at a conference in the Lords last week, said the cost to councils would be "staggering".

"Why can sense not be seen and the far less expensive, well-tested and tried option be adopted?" he asked.

Following Mr Vaughan's speech, Lord Peyton has put down an amendment to keep licensing with magistrates. This will be debated on Monday, February 24.