OWNERS of a popular music venue - who ran into financial troubles triggering fears they’d have to close – are hopeful they’ll remain open after receiving a flood of public donations.

Last week, married Eddie and Denise Wood, who own the Asylum in Viaduct Road, Chelmsford, launched a statement on social media saying the bar could close as soon as this week if they can’t raise £12,000.

But now, the pair of musicians are hopeful their alternative music venue will remain open, after about £10,000 of donations streamed in over the last week.

Speaking to the Weekly News, they said: “The support we’re receiving has been phenomenal, and just proves how much needed the venue is for local and touring bands, as well as the local customers.

“We’re not sure yet of actual figure raised so far but it’s several thousand pounds - possibly getting somewhere towards ten thousand.”

“This was achieved in less than a week.”

They added the funds, which came from friends, strangers and a long term loan from a close acquaintance, will keep their debtors at bay, who will confirm what the future holds for the bar on Friday (November 25).

At the time of going to press a GoFundMe page set up by James Clarke, of Canvey, raised almost £4,000, in eight days, after receiving 1,700 shares on Facebook.

A charitable gig at Southend’s Railway Hotel last week raised £1250, while funds have also come from the sale of bespoke T-Shirt designs and other memorabilia.

They added: “We’ve had donations from people from hundreds of miles away because they know bands that have played here and love the place.”