A woman is to take over a music venue in Darwen, which closed earlier this year.

Big House Blues Bar, in Wellington Fold, announced its closure in February. Sam Cooper and Eddie Valentine opened the bar in 2017.

Maxine Walsh, from Darwen, is currently landlady of The Old Function Room pub. She plans to step down as owner in September and plans to take over Big House Blues Bar shortly after.

The venue will be renamed The Sound Lounge and she plans to play music from local musicians and tribute acts.

She said: “The function room has been successful but every time we have had any bands on there has been an issue with noise complaints despite the measures we have put in place.

“It has prevented us from doing the things we really want to do.

“I have had the opportunity to take over The Big House Blues Bar and jumped at the opportunity.

“Although they used to play a bit of rock and alternative music, I thought it was solely for blues music which is why we have changed the name.

“We will have a lot of tribute performers and local bands. We will be playing music from the 70s, 80s and 90s.

“Also, we will be trying to keep the beer prices as cheap as possible.

“We also have private room at the back where people can have a party.”

Maxine hopes the venue will add something positive to the nightlife in Darwen.

She said: “I want to do everything we did in the Function Room, but this time bigger and better.

“I wanted to go more down the music route and feel that Darwen town centre is lacking in something for those aged 30 and over.

“There are some great tribute acts out there and Darwen is full of amazing talent."

Maxine is in the process of reapplying for a premises licence but hopes to reopen the venue at the start of September.

She hopes it will be a positive addition to the town.

She said: “Local pubs haven’t got the support they need in town. I feel like trade seems to have fallen in local pubs.

“The bar in a great location, in the middle of town where there are so many great venues.

“We hope to be a great addition to Darwen that will bring more people into the town.”