A POPULAR Poole venue which has hosted some big names from the UK music scene over the years has announced its closure.

Mr Kyps, at Ashley Cross, has been a mecca for music fans for almost two decades.

Up and coming acts and stars, top tribute acts and national names, such as Adam Ant, The Buzzcocks, Pete Doherty and Gilbert O’Sullivan, are among those to have graced its stage.

However, now club founder Mark ‘Kyp’ Kyprianou, has confirmed the venue will close this summer. “The decade old building has become tired, and like many others of similar age has run into structural and maintenance problems,” he explained. “As a result the landlords made the decision over a year ago the building was to be sold for redevelopment purposes.” Mark, who says the Mr Kyps brand name will continue - with a series of gigs at other venues in the pipeline - has nothing but praise for the development company which purchased the site last autumn.

“The Mr Kyps team met with Bill Buckler of Bay View Development, a local man of Ashley Cross who enjoys live music and attends Mr Kyps on occasions,” said Mark. “An agreement was reached between parties to enable Mr Kyps to continue through to June 9.

“This will now be the official closing date of the music venue.”

Mark insists if it hadn’t been for the support of Bay View Developments, they’d have been forced to close the venue month earlier.

Now the focus is on the remaining months at the Parr Street venue, a former snooker and pool centre, and the final acts to appear. Mark also says he’s on the lookout for a new permanent premises.

“I would like to express my sincere thanks to everyone who has attended and supported us over the past years,” he said. “Regular visitors will have witnessed the atmosphere created when live music is at its best, and know it is simply unbeatable.

“None of what has happened at the venue would have been possible without the help of very close friends, family and regular helpers.

“I would also like to extend this gratitude to my hard working team, who have stuck with and supported the venue for many years. Finally, Mr Kyps would like to express its thanks to Bill Buckler.”