ONE of Barnsley’s longest-running and most popular music venues which attracted hundreds of people to its gigs for decades will close in a matter of weeks - after its owners announced they’d reached the end of the road.

The Old Schoolhouse - known to many as the Polish Club - is situated on Blackburn Lane and was built in 1877.

Having made its name as one of the town’s go-to venues for music lovers - where it regularly featured jam-packed weekend schedules - its future was initially plunged into doubt during the Covid-19 pandemic which hit hospitality venues hard.

Despite attempts to diversify its offering, owners confirmed this week that it’s set to close for good on December 9.

Co-owner Garry Watson told the Chronicle: “In many ways the place has put Barnsley on the musical map - it’s attracted top quality performers and albums have been recorded there because its sound was that good and pure.

“I had two locals when I was growing up - the Longcar and the Polish Club - so when I got involved about ten years ago it was even more sentimental for me.

“We’re not the best businessmen in truth, but this place is our passion and we’ve tried to make it work before reaching this decision.”

According to a study compiled by the Music Venue Trust, more than 40 per cent of music-based bars were operating at a loss last year, with an average of one per week closing their doors.

Garry added: “It’s getting harder and harder for venues like the Old Schoolhouse.

“It started taking a turn for the worst in the pandemic and that hit us hard - bounce-back loans only tied us over for so long and from that point it’s deteriorated.

“There just doesn’t seem to be support for pubs and clubs from the government these days and it becomes increasingly difficult to make it viable.

“I’m gutted, absolutely devastated, about its closure.”

A sale is going through, although it’s been confirmed that it will not be continuing as a music venue in the future.

Musician Bri Shaughnessy, who has fronted bands including The Danse Society, Oliver/Dawson Saxon and Seventh Son, said it was a sad indictment of the issues much-loved venues face.

“It was a place which was great when it was busy - I’ve loved playing there over the years because its sound and its crowds were great,” he said.

“Unfortunately its closure means Barnsley’s lost another of its popular places but it’s now becoming an all too common thing, and that’s sad.”