A campaign has been launched to stop a popular live entertainment venue, housed in a former Victorian music hall, and theatre from closing.

The managers of The Royal Function Rooms and Billabong comedy club at the old Theatre Royal in Rochester have been given notice to quit by the end of this year.

Its demise has been met with an outpouring of sadness from some of the thousands who have gone along to gigs for more than two decades.

Now the council's Labour group leader Cllr Vince Maple is adding his support to keep the venue, which has the second oldest purpose-built stage in England, open.

Cllr Maple is looking into the possibility of getting the building listed as an asset of community value to protect it from being turned into something else, such as housing. It could give supporters the chance to make a bid and take it on as a community.

He said: "It's clear from comments on social media that there is an appetite to keep it in place.

"I have been there on many occasions for everything from stand-up comedians to live bands, family parties and political rallies.

"The people in Medway should be rightfully proud of the music scene here and this is an important part of it."

The prominent building in Star Hill has gained a reputation for showcasing homespun talent such as the acclaimed musician, poet and artist Billy Childish who headlined at the Medway Music Festival in October.

RnB band The Brothers Grimm, who are regulars, are due to play there on Friday, December 23.

The shutdown would also mean the Ranscombe Recording Studio, which hires space, will also be moving out.

Under the Localism Act 2011 communities can nominate land or buildings they believe further social wellbeing or the interests of the community.

The designation means the site gets registered with the local authority and, if it comes up for sale, the interested party will be given a fair chance to bid for it.

The process is triggered with a petition of at least 21 signatures which should give a six-month reprieve from development.

After a zoom meeting on Wednesday, Cllr Maple said they had reached the required numbers to submit the paperwork to the council for asset of community value.

He said: "I think it's a good piece of legislation to have available. I am confident the submission will go forward as soon as practically possible."

Supporters took to social media to air their views on the demise.

Dave Grimshaw wrote: "Absolutely gutted to learn of the imminent closure of the Function Rooms and Billabong Rooms in Rochester at the end of this year. Not just one but two iconic venues, of which many of us have had great nights and memories over the years.

"It's very sad news for Rochester, the Medway Towns, Kent and further afield and leaves a massive hole musically."

Events organiser Rob Flood, who is also chairman of the City of Rochester Society, said: "It's very sad. It's the only decent sized venue around here.

"It seems, like so many places, they have not recovered from losses made during Covid,"

Attempts have been made to contact owners Aaron Stone and the managers Mary and Andy Barnes.

Dating back to around 1700, as a theatre it was visited by Charles Dickens who, as a boy, went to see performances of Richard III and Macbeth.When he returned in around 1860 it was in decline and the last performance was on March 11, 1884.

Before turning into an entertainment venue, it was home to the Medway Conservative Association.