A popular grassroots music venue in Darwen has announced they will be closed for the weekend due to flooding damage.

Heavy rain has hammered the borough this week after the Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for heavy rain and advised people in Blackburn with Darwen to ‘be prepared’ for flooding.

Unfortunately, Sunbird Records on The Circus, Darwen, was hit by a ‘massive flood’ yesterday which has caused damage to the venue.

As a result, the venue announced on Facebook that they are unable to open this weekend.

The post states: “Unfortunately we're unable to open this weekend due to a massive flood and the damage it's caused.

“We are reopening next week with some good old rock n roll early doors Friday then 4SIX9 Music with Faster Horses blasting open 2023 on Saturday.”

In response to a comment asking whether a “dodgy drain” backed up after the heavy rain, the venue added that the flooding was caused by water “coming out of the walls”.

The news saddened supporters of Sunbird Records, with many people showing their solidarity by reacting to the Facebook post.

Councillor Brian Taylor, who represents Darwen West, was also saddened by the ‘devastating’ announcement.

He said: “I am sorry to hear that and I hope it’s not caused too much damage so they are able to reopen quickly.

“Any business that’s not able to trade at the moment is worrying. Most businesses are struggling, because they do struggle in January, so as soon as Sunbird Records are able to start trading again, the better.

“The amount of rain we’ve had has been horrendous, it’s been non-stop. It’s sad to say but it’s part of this climate change so these extreme weather conditions are only going to get worse aren’t they.”

Darwen West councillor Stephanie Brookfield was not aware of the damage at Sunbird Records due to dealing with flooding and water coming through the ceiling at her own home.

The Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for Lancashire at the start of the week, warning that “flooding of a few homes and businesses is likely” and bus and train services will probably be affected, causing disruption.

Sunbird Records have been contacted for a comment.