Steve Beasant is calling for the community to rally round to save the Grimsby’s iconic Central Hall from closure.

The venue which first opened its doors 80 years ago and has seen the likes of Iron Maiden, Gilbert O’Sullivan and the BBC Symphony Orchestra perform there – is set to close due to a lack of funding and dwindling audiences.

The Grimsby Telegraph reports:

Today, Councillor Steve Beasant (East Marsh, Lib Dem) described the venue as “one of the area’s most famous landmarks”, adding: “It’s very concerning to us that it faces the possibility of closure.

“It’s such a valuable asset to the town and the local community.

“The hall is very well used by groups and organisations in the area and I hope local businesses and the public can rally around to help save this fantastic venue.”

Messages of support have continued to pour into the Telegraph offices as theatre groups and singers who have performed at the landmark venue throughout the years pledge their support to the campaign to save the historic building.

Director of Class Act Theatre Company David Wrightham said: “It’s a tragic loss.

“It’s such a great building and a wonderful venue and it’s a shock that it faces closure.

“So many clubs and societies use the hall’s many rooms and now they have nowhere else to go. It’s such a shame and I will be really sorry to see it go.

“I’ve been going there since I was young and I would definitely throw my support behind a campaign to save it…”

Secretary for the Grimsby Concert Society David Griffiths added: “It’s a great loss to the town and we’re all very sorry to hear the news of its closure.

“It’s a valuable concert venue and a great asset to the whole town.

“We’ve been using the hall seven times a year for the past 30 years and there’s little to match it in the town in terms of venue and sound.

“It’s sad to see it close.”