THE group who have been running Bacup Hub have expressed their shock at the sudden closure of the venue by the building’s owner.

Last Friday, the venue was closed and boarded up after landlords called in bailiffs to seize the building. Police were called to the site at 7.30am on Friday to assist in a “civil matter”.

It is understood bailiffs took possession of the building on the instruction of the landlord Catherine Chadwick. The day-to-day management of Bacup Hub was taken over by former pub landlords Jim and Jane Doidge, Pauline Clawson and Ken Brown in June.

The venue hosts concerts, sports events, private parties and is used by many societies and clubs. The new team were calling the venue Broadwater Hall as they sought to rebrand and revitalise the venue.

Jim Doidge said: “We were very disappointed at the decision taken by the owners, which resulted in the closure of the hall.

“This was completely unexpected. We had a full diary of forthcoming events, which included the Royal Court Theatre productions, children’s parties, boxing and the first Rossendale Man of the Year.

“We would like to thank everyone who has supported us in this venture and for the many kind words of support that we have received since the closure of Broadwater Hall.

“For legal reasons, we are unable to comment further on the closure and the matter is now in the hands of our solicitors, Woodcocks Haworth and Nuttall, who are hoping to resolve the issue amicably.”

Catherine Chadwick, said: “The group leasing the Bacup Hub failed to honour its obligations. To prevent any further losses to both them and myself the difficult decision was made to repossess the building on Friday.”