A COMMUNITY has rallied around Barrow Underground Music Society after damage from a flood had the potential to close it down 'permanently.' 

Disaster struck the grassroots music venue on Carlisle Street when the outside drain at the back blocked and flooded the downstairs stage area during heavy rain on Monday. 

Rob Dunphy, from the society, said that his 'stomach sank' when he first heard the news. "Monday night was a marathon of extracting water, moving equipment, dismantling the whole stage, music equipment and sound system trying to reduce as much of the damage as we could," he said. 

Young Barrow band Cone had been practicing when they alerted fellow member Lynsey Johnson to the water. By chance, a friend was there who had an industrial water extraction unit in his van. 

Volunteers worked until midnight to stop water from coming into the venue and damaging equipmentVolunteers worked until midnight to stop water from coming into the venue and damaging equipment (Image: Barrow Underground Music Society)

Rob said that the water was pouring in through a small hole from the drain. Emergency help was needed and the volunteers had to work until nearly midnight before the drain could be cleared. 

He said that the drain had been professionally cleared, the holes were sealed and there had been adjustments to the rear of the venue to ensure this could not happen again. 

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In terms of the response, he said: "The local community has rallied, it is so heart-warming to know how much everyone loves this little venue.

"We realised the damage was obviously beyond the club and volunteers' financial capabilities and could potentially close us down permanently." 

Lynsey set up a GoFundMe page and within 24 hours the venue met its initial target. The fundraiser stands at £2,530 at the time of writing. 

Rob said that the main performance area has been thoroughly cleaned, but there is still a 'mountain of work' to do. The venue is committed for a Drum and Bass night on Friday and a full roster of bands on Saturday for Barrow Music Week. 

"The pressure is on and we will all be having a few sleepless nights this weekend," Rob said. 

He called the support 'overwhelming.' He welcomed donations, but also said that support can be given by checking the website for upcoming shows, buying tickets and becoming a BUMS VIP member for £20 a year.

Rob said that 'world-class' bands and DJs will be heading to Barrow in the coming weeks that deserve a good crowd. 

LINK to fundraiser.