HUNDREDS of music fans have protested against the closure of a popular venue that was in jeopardy because of credit difficulties.

And last night, Darlington Borough Council’s cabinet group agreed new plans to help the town’s Forum Music Centre.

Until last week, the Forum looked likely to shut in September because it was unable to obtain an unsecured loan of £80,000.

Yesterday’s protest and council plans have given the centre a future beyond the autumn.

The council will provide temporary funding of up to £6,000 to help the Forum remain open while an independent review of the business plan is conducted.

It will be offset against a further potential loan of £80,000.

The council and Humantics, which wants to take over running of the venue, will conduct the business review to provide a secure financial footing and attract future investment.

Cabinet members unanimously approved the proposals.

Council leader John Williams said last night: “Everyone has seen the huge public interest outside.

“The council has always been supportive of the Forum.

We want to be supportive in the future because it’s an invaluable facility for Darlington, not only for young people but different age groups.

“We cannot make it succeed by ourselves. We can facilitate things and I’m anxious to do that.”

Three petitions were handed in to the council – including one on a scroll and an online one containing 1,210 signatures.

Geoff Laycock, a 60-year-old grandfather, also spoke in support, saying: “It is a fantastic venue not just for youngsters.”

Councillor Alan Coultas, a Conservative non-member of the cabinet, added a word of warning that the authority could not support all requests for help.

Up to 300 supporters of the Forum, which Dave Cox opened in 2004, had held a protest before and during the meeting before holding a party at the music venue.

They wore T-shirts and held banners, one of which read “Music is our future. The Forum is our music.”

Martin Wood, a leading protestor, said he was delighted with the amount of support shown.

He said: “The idea is to pull everyone together to save this fantastic community facility.”

Coun Williams urged those present to continue their support to ensure the financial success of the venue.

Musicians played to the crowds or spoke in support.

Dave Saunders, of The Felons, said: “Dave Cox came in with a vision and it illuminated the music scene in Darlington.”