We want Selby District Council planning department to understand the role The Venue has in the community and the effect it will have if it is forced to close. All we are asking for, is for them to pass the planning application that was lodged over 2 years ago for The Venue to become a drinking establishment. The Venue is host to dozens of private parties, kids parties and wedding receptions.  There are also regular classes taking part there, some of which are charity classes for the benefit of the Selby community. Local bands rehearse there and The Venue puts on live gigs from time to time, showcasing talent from across the globe.  It is also home to a local theater company that puts on many well known theater productions, plays and pantomimes and supports local upcoming actors. There is also a youth club situated within The Venue, providing valuable space and activities to young people and minority groups within the town. It is culturally important within Selby and also benefits the local economy hugely.

Although there were a few noise complaints in the early days of The Venue opening, these were addressed and resolved. Mainly due to late night club events and these have now been scrapped so that we can work together with our local community.  There has been no noise complaints since we stopped these and live music events are always finished by 11pm and do not cause a noise nuisance.  Selby Town Council have even shown their support for The Venue to go ahead.

If The Venue is forced to close, as well as the loss of an established venue in town, many people will lose deposits for parties, weddings and promoters will lose deposits for bands booked from all over Europe and beyond.  At least 10 people will lose their jobs and some their livelihoods. The owners will be forced into bankruptcy after investing heavily into The Venue, and Ian Wright, the manager and his family will lose their home as they live above The Riverside that is next door and tied by lease to The Venue.  So as you can see, the knock on affect is huge.

We now urge you to sign this petition, so that we can make the council do the right thing, thank you.