WALTHAMSTOW: Music venue saved - for now

4:21pm Tuesday 19th August 2008

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A POPULAR music venue facing closure and demolition has been saved - for the time being.

Developers wanted to knock down The Standard, in Blackhorse Road, Walthamstow, and were due to take over the ownership of the site from Punch Taverns on July 31.

Staff were told that the venue would soon be closed.

But the mystery developer has shelved its scheme for now, reportedly because of the slowdown in the housing market.

The future of the Standard is still not assured, however, as Punch Taverns has signed an agreement to sell the site subject to planning permission.

This means the developer can effectively return to the deal at any time.

The venue’s licensee for the last 24 years, Paul White, initially said he was “delighted” about the reprieve, but was angered when he was informed of the full ramifications of the deal.

He said: "I fell like I have been kept in the dark.

"At the end of the day it is my staff and I who will lose their jobs."

Mr White’s son Dan, 25, said: “The great thing about this place is every day is different. I got involved five years ago and I love helping out.

“What is great about The Standard is that young bands are given the chance to perform. If we weren’t around a lot of them would have to go to Camden or somewhere like that.”

Jennifer O’Neill, 20, lead singer with Slummin’ Angels, agreed.

She said: “This is the best venue in east London. There really isn’t anywhere else for bands to perform around here.”

Iron Maiden, Suzie Quatro and the Rifle Force are just some of the acts who played at the Standard before hitting the big time.