BLACKBURN town centre’s last independent live music venue has announced that it is to close down.

The manager has confirmed that the Live Lounge nightclub will call last orders for the final time in 12 weeks.

It has seen performances from the likes of Cast’s John Power and Ocean Colour Scene’s Steve Craddock in the last 12 months, while also providing a place for local talent to play and thrive.

The announcement which was made on its website, raises further concern about Blackburn’s struggling night time economy.

Telegraph columnist and Blackburn businesswoman, Margo Grimshaw said: “It is a bit sad, really. In Blackburn’s heyday we had seven or eight live music venues. What has happened to our vibrant town?

“People don’t come to Blackburn now because you need a good run of pubs for people to want to go out.

“Blackburn is more or less closed by 9pm on a Saturday night now.”

Musician and music producer, David Robinson from Mill Hill, said: “This will have a huge negative impact on the local music and nightlife scene.

“We’ve suffered in Blackburn since the closure of the Cellar Bar in 2008, which used to promote gigs and live events, and the Live Lounge was the last place left in Blackburn for live music.”

“There’s hardly any pubs left and it’s very rare that they put live bands on these days.”

“The music scene just isn’t going to exist in Blackburn any more.”

Councillor Maureen Bateson, executive member for regeneration said: “Improving the local economy is one of our key priorities and we are committed to working with town centre businesses to do all we can to boost both the day and night time economies.

“We are aware of the challenges the town centre faces, especially in this economic climate and we are always looking at new ways to promote Blackburn as place to visit, shop and enjoy live entertainment. ”