JB's future in the balance after ownership claim

Mystery today surrounded the future of troubled Black Country rock club JB's as administrators denied one company's claims it now owns the live music venue.

JB's was placed into administration in October with debts of £450,000. The business, including the premises in Castle Hill, Dudley, was subsequently put on the market for £350,000.

A company calling itself London Entertainments set up a Facebook page advertising itself as the new owners of JB's.

The website's creator Kay Rai has posted a link for more information to the London Entertainments website.

It carries a statement claiming it has bought a 1,000 capacity club in the Black Country and suggests JB's will be renamed Monroes.

Administrator John Travers, of Stourbridge-based John D Travers & Co, today said: "I can categorically state that the sale of JB's has not been concluded.

"Anyone who claims to have purchased the club is mistaken."

He added that he was in "advanced negotiations" with a potential buyer, but said he could not disclose who it was.

"Things are moving slower than I had hoped, but we are still hopeful of a successful outcome," he said.

The London Entertainments website states: "London Entertainments has recently acquired the huge 1,000 capacity nightclub, 'Monroes' — Pride of The Black Country.

"We have purchased this club not for big financial gains by re-developing it or changing use.

"We love music and feel we are doing something for the people."

It has provided a feeback form for fans to offer suggestions for the future of the place — including pole-dancing lessons, fashion shows, and dinner-dances.

Neither the website nor the Facebook page offer any contact information or details about the company. All comments from Kay Rai have been deleted and now fans are demanding answers.

Arron Davis, aged 29, from Dudley, joined the London Entertainments group but says he has had several comments and questions deleted from the site.

"I want JB's to rise from the ashes and become great again, had some of the best nights of my life there," he said.

"But comments have been deleted, no questions answered,and the For Sale sign is still up. I think it's bye bye JB's."