Tim Millard of City Limits, left, with Chrissy Tallowin and Jim Delbridge of The Tracy Barlows are just some of the local musicians pleased that The Doghouse has won a reprieve. (Picture by Peter Frankland, 0705592)

THE DOGHOUSE has been reprieved after an overwhelming reaction to news of the live music venue’s closure.

Proprietor David Nussbaumer was to have given it a major refit and relaunched it as a restaurant and bar.

But a huge Facebook campaign coupled with comments in the media and from customers persuaded him to postpone the refurbishment for at least a year.

‘Within minutes of the closure announcement, my phone started ringing and wherever I went people were stopping me. We are also overwhelmed that nearly 1,000 people have added their name to a Facebook campaign,’ said Mr Nussbaumer.

Tim Millard of City Limits was happy the Doghouse would now stay open. ‘I think any venue that encourages live music is great,’ he said.

Mr Millard said gigs at the Doghouse were the ones the band enjoyed the most. Jim Delbridge of the Tracy Barlows said the Doghouse was great for local music.

‘I’m very pleased – it’s a reprieve. It just shows how popular live music is. The Doghouse is good because it’s close to Town,’ he said.