LEADING York live music venue Fibbers has closed suddenly.

Owner Tim Hornsby said it was not financially viable for the club to remain open because it had hit severe cashflow problems.

The premises, in Stonebow, is one of York's few significant live venues and celebrated its tenth anniversary at the weekend.

Mr Hornsby, who ran Fibbers with his partner Michelle Hodgen, said: "This was not planned. As far as we were concerned it was going to be carrying on for another ten years.

"We're owed a considerable amount of money which was meant to be here on Friday.

"We could have carried on for another two or three weeks but wanted to go out with the great memories of the birthday weekend."

Mr Hornsby said he had previously been approached by a national venue company who were interested in taking over Fibbers.

"I think there is a good chance of it reopening," he added.

Updated: 15:10 Tuesday, August 13, 2002