THE campaign to save Oxford music venue The Cellar has been given a massive boost by a local ticket selling site.

Wegottickets, based on the city's Osney Mead industrial estate donated £5,000 to the club, which is threatened with closure unless it can raise £80,000 to pay for safety improvements.

The underground club, in Frewin Court, off Cornmarket, is the last real independent gig venue in Oxford city centre and has given a platform to a generation of new bands - including multi-award winning indie rockers Foals, who started off there.

However, in June it was dealt a crippling blow by Oxfordshire County Council inspectors, who said the venue’s 70cm fire escape was 30cm too narrow. They ordered it to cut the number of people it allows in from 150 to just 60, making it unviable as a live music venue.

It is set to close on December 3 unless it can raise money the money by next Tuesday to build a new exit, carry out other work and make up for lost earnings.

The total on the club's crowdfunder page is almost £66,000, meaning it needs to raise another £14,000 in five days.

READ AGAIN: Stars line up to back Cellar's fundraising campaign 

The ticketing site has signed up to the venue's new patron scheme, which gives individuals, bands and organisations the chance to become long term supporters of the arts space in return for recognition on a plaque and a package of benefits - including parties and free entry to shows.

Oxford pub The White Rabbit, in nearby Friar's Entry, has also become a ptron. The pub is a favourite of students and music-lovers as well as performers and audience members from the neighbouring Oxford Playhouse. It is the holder of the best pizza accolade in the Oxford Mail and Oxford Times Oxfordshire Food Awards.

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In a statement, wegottickets said: "The Cellar is one of the finest independent venues in the UK, and we're proud to have worked with them for many, many years. Unfortunately they're under threat of closure due to changes in fire regulations meaning they need to undertake major structural work, and they're currently crowdfunding to help pay for the work.

"We're an independent business too and we know the challenges faced by venues like The Cellar only too well, so we're really very proud to contribute £5,000 and take up their business patron reward.

"Our donation takes their total to around £65,000 and is a big step towards saving the venue. Hopefully over the next few days they can secure the rest of the money needed to keep their doors open."

The venue has offered a range of rewards in return for donations, including the chance to enter a draw to win a snare drum signed by Radiohead drummer Philip Selway.

Wegottickets urged others to back the appeal It said: "The venue must reach its £80,000 goal by next Tuesday, and we know how much they'd value your support.

"There are loads of great rewards, including the chance to win Radiohead's snare drum, so please do donate if you can and help rescue a key part of Oxford's culture and community."