Concert-goers have accused the owners of a live music venue of not doing enough to save it from closure.

Fans of the Hanbury Ballroom in St George's Road, Brighton, were shocked when owners Zelgrain decided to sell the historic venue because it was struggling to make a profit.

Amanda Blanch and Chris Edwards, owners of luxury hotel Blanch House in Atlingworth Street, Brighton, stepped in to buy the domed building.

They hope to reopen it as the Hanbury Club in October after a £100,000 renovation.

Andy Bass, 28, a designer, of Railway Street, Brighton, was there when the closure was announced at a gig on July 7.

He said: "It seems like selling up is doing the easy thing rather than actively doing something about it. The Hanbury has a faded charm."

Last week Rob Hall, of Zelgrain, which also owns 30 pubs and bars in the city, said the company had to sell.

He said: "As a venue it is incredibly hard to break even let alone stop losing money. It would have needed a lot of investment and we were not willing to do that."

Some live music will continue when the venue reopens as a members' club. Ms Blanch, 40, said local restaurant owners could be invited to prepare a special menu once a month.

She said: "They (Zelgrain) are closing the building. We are buying the building.

"If anyone has any problems with a music venue closing in Brighton, they should talk to Zelgrain.

"We are rescuing it and doing something to a lovely old building. There are many music venues for people but there is nothing for over 25s or 30s.

"We did not go to them and ask if they would sell it - it has been on the market for a long time. We could buy it and carry on making a loss until we all go bust.

"We are still going to have live events and people can become members."