A MUSIC venue in Taunton, which only opened less than five months ago, has closed.

The Live Room - situated in the former premises of nightclub The Perfect 5th in High Street - closed its doors after its final night on Saturday (September 7).

The County Gazette understands some staff were sent a text message at the weekend informing them of the “immediate” closure and were told a possible re-brand is in the pipeline, but “this will take some time.”

A statement was also published on the nightclub's Facebook page to make punters aware of the sudden closure.

It read: “Hi there boys and girls. I'm afraid that this time round the rumours about The Live Room closing are true.

“Unfortunately tonight [Saturday] is our last day of trading. It's been a crazy ride from the start and it's a shame to see this building go empty again.

“Thanks to everyone for all the effort they put in, it would have been an even shorter run without you. Farewell 61 High Street.”

The venue launched on April 20 with a mix of live music from various bands, including local performers The Darlingtons.

Legendary Queen guitarist Brian May was also a special guest at the opening as he was already in town campaigning against the badger cull.

Dozens of comments have this week been left on the Facebook page with many customers offering their support.

Harriet Wiltshire wrote: “Only place I enjoy going to in town, sad times,” while Daniel Edwards simply said: “This really sucks.”

Artist Shaun Kelly summed up the thoughts of many when he posted: “Venues in Taunton have been dropping like flies for the past few years - because they're not being supported.

“I have played in Taunton for years and ten years ago it was a great live music town with some great pubs.”

He added: “People in Taunton need to realise that it's no good bemoaning the decline of live music in the town if they don't support it when it's happening.”