THE home of Warrington's alternative music scene is appealing for help to secure its 'uncertain' future.

Old Town House has launched a crowdfunding campaign in response to its 'constant battle to stay afloat' this year.

The Buttermarket Street venue was launched in June 2017 by friends and bandmates Jen Burgess and Cait Costello.

Since then Jen and Cait, who are in a folk punk duo called Hello Mabel, have used their music industry contacts to host almost 150 gigs and welcomed more than 400 bands from all over the world.

Old Town House has also hosted numerous music festivals and there are usually at least two gigs a week, many of which are free.

But they have admitted that running a bar and venue in the current climate has been very difficult. They are aiming to raise £3,500 to help them keep the doors open and carry on hosting live music.

In a statement, Jen and Cait said: "Just over a year ago we took over this venue, our reasoning for this was solely based on our passion for live music and our love of the DIY scene.

"And, with the help of lots of lovely punks and a lot of hard work, managed to turn it into a really beautiful space with a view to providing a platform for Warrington musicians, a venue for touring artists and a safe space for like-minded people to come together.

"We have always tried to give the bands that play here a memorable experience by delivering the kind of hospitality we’ve enjoyed so much when gigging and touring ourselves. And it seems like we’re starting to make a name for ourselves on this little DIY scene we love so much – something which makes us very proud and gives us reason to carry on doing this.

"Since day one, none of the core members of Old Town House have received a wage and have instead strived to provide the best deal for our acts while putting everything else back into the business.

"Unfortunately, because the current climate for running any sort of bar/venue is extremely difficult – especially when you’re trying to do something as unconventional as we are – we have had a constant battle this year to stay afloat and our future at the moment is uncertain.

"Having exhausted all other avenues and we are now turning to our supporters to help us stay open and continue to bring you an incredible array of live music, great food and other awesome entertainment. Anything we receive through this campaign will help us to do this."

To make a donation visit gofundme.com/old-town-house-needs-a-hand. For more information about Old Town House visit facebook.com/oldtownhousewarrington