Offer to save Dudley venue JB's from closure

Troubled Black Country music club JB's could be saved from closure after an official offer to buy the business was lodged with administrators, it emerged today.

The rock club in Castle Hill, Dudley, went on the market for £350,000 with estate agents Fleurets after owners Sam and Sue Jukes put the club into administration with debts of around £450,000.

Administrator John Travers, from Stourbridge-based John D Travers & Co, today confirmed an offer had been made for the business.

He said genuine expressions of interest had flooded in following a slow start.

It is not known whether the offer on the table is from the same potential buyer who had been negotiating with Mr Travers earlier this month.

Mr Travers said he could not reveal who was yet behind the offer, but added: "We are hoping to conclude the sale very soon. The buyer has said they want to continue using it as a music club."

Mr Travers had warned some of the interest had come from companies wanting to use the land for other purposes.

Part of the reason the club was put in administration was due to the ill health of owner Mr Jukes, aged 63, who has worked at the club since it opened in 1969. He today welcomed news of the offer. "It's good news if we can get continuity as a music venue," he said.