A DUDLEY live music venue is pleading for help as it may not survive the coronavirus lockdown.

Dirty Rockers opened last September and has quickly garnered a reputation for helping up and coming local rock talent, promising to become the next JB's for a new generation of music lovers.

The Dock Lane venue also hosts weekly rock nights, becoming a vital addition to Dudley's nightlife scene.

The venue had to close last month following national lockdown measures and bosses have since discovered they are not eligible for government support as they have been open for less than six months.

Mac White, manager of the club said: "The owner Rachel Vann has put her heart and soul into making the venue a friendly welcoming place to be. Loving music she wanted to make it an old school true grass roots venue giving bands the connection with the crowds.

"Dirty Rocker's has supported up and coming bands such as Lifeafter, Berserker and Keg Deep who have all debuted at Dirty Rockers and started building up a good following.

"Small venues like Dirty Rockers are important to the music industry as well as the community. If it wasn't for grass root venues like this no new talent would come through the ranks.

"Being open only six months has been challenging as it is for any new business, also having December, January and February which aren't the best months to trade due to Christmas, now the coronavirus has hit the world.

"Being a new business Rachel cannot get anything off the government, plus we contacted the insurance and they said Dirty Rockers wasn't covered like a lot of other pubs, clubs and venues."

The team are appealing for any investors or sponsors to come forward and save the club and they have also launched a Go Fund Me page for music lovers to pledge their support.

Mac added: "It would be a true shame to see Dirty Rockers close as the people we have met have become family.

"Please help support your venues and support your bands."