A cross-party group of MPs has backed government plans to encourage an "urban renaissance" by boosting the evening economy in towns and cities across the UK.

But ministers have been urged to bring about effective action to ensure their vision comes to fruition.

The report by the urban affairs sub-committee of the Commons committee on the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister concluded that a balance should be struck between the competing interests of different local groups.

But it held out the prospect that successful regeneration efforts could lead to a continental-style inclusive evening culture.

"If the urban renaissance is to succeed, a balance needs to be found between residential amenity and a good night out," the report said.

"Management is the key to striking a balance. Local authorities must have a strategy for the evening economy, ie the period between 5.00pm and 8.00pm, and the late-night economy, after 8.00pm."

Local authorities were urged to use the planning and licensing systems to manage evening economies.

"Striking the balance between a good night out for some and a good night's sleep for others is difficult, especially in regard to noise.

"However reviewing the Building Regulations and Noise Acts would show commitment to tackling this problem."

Improvements in late-night public transport would be needed and a wider cross-section of people must be attracted into town and city centres in the evening and at night the MPs said.

"For this to happen perception and fear of crime must be reduced," they claim.

Ministers were urged to use their National Alcohol Harm Reduction strategy to change attitudes and tolerance towards binge drinking.

"Binge drinking characterises many late-night activities in British cities," the sub-committee said.

"Drinking large amounts of alcohol is an accepted cultural norm, however the mortality rate from alcohol consumption is increasing. Accident and emergency departments have also noticed a significant increase in 999 activity in the early hours of the morning."

The MPs argued that events which encourage binge drinking, such as happy hours, should be discouraged.

But despite the problems, the report concluded on an upbeat note.

"The evening and late-night economies are growing, as are the number of people now living in our town and city centres," it said.

"Local authorities and government need to take a proactive approach to balance these interests and achieve the urban renaissance we all want. Bologna in Birmingham, Madrid in Manchester, why not?"

Christine Russell, the Labour MP who chaired the sub-committee, said that extending the vitality of a town or city centre beyond normal working hours would make centres more attractive places to live.

"British towns and cities focus their evening activities on young people and alcohol consumption," she said,

"We should be inspired by the European example, where more diverse evening activities attract a wider range of people."