THE director Moochers has spoken of her disappointment at having to close the Stourbridge music venue due to lack of funds.

Sarah Evans said the decision was taken to close the New Road music club on Easter Monday.

She said: "We wanted to get through the weekend as we'd bought the ale. It's gutting for everyone involved.

"It's a shame we couldn't keep it going but there weren't enough people coming through the doors.

"With the recession people aren't going out often enough. It's a big venue to try and fill and we had massive PFR bills.

"The overheads are massive on a building of that size.

"It's such a great venue and the sound is great; the people that came here loved it but there weren't enough of them."

She said she and Paul Grosvenor took over the New Road venue in November 2013 and they had tried to focus on putting on original acts but conceded "there isn't the support for original acts".

The venue is now being offered for sale or lease with Fleurets estate agents.

Sarah added: "Hopefully we can find someone that can carry it on - it would be a shame to see it disappear completely."

Mr Grosvenor told the News his involvement with the venue ceased in October 2014.