Dudley Hippodrome group vows to save the day

It comes after council chiefs rejected the latest business plans aimed at saving the Castle Hill venue due to a number of 'shortcomings'.

A new steering group had been set up featuring members from the Friends of Dudley Hippodrome group but also new supporters and industry experts.

The group has been given to the end of February to address the council's concerns.

Dudley Council said it will continue to push ahead with plans to knock down the building and replace it with a public square with a planning application due to be submitted in the summer.

The authority rejected the business plan following advice from independent consultants who believed the business plan remained 'unviable' after it was found to lack detail on market analysis, funding plans and operational issues such as staffing levels.

A statement from the steering group said: "It is good to see that the council have kept the door open for us to revise the business plan."

Friends group support Gaz Sawers, who performs under the name Black Country Gaz, says he is disappointed at the 'negative' stance from the council.

"What is really disappointing to me is that although the council have give the group more time they have still stated that they are going to be bulldozing it," he said.

"That is really negative and doesn't help. In fact they have never given us any real help.

"Dudley Council is just pulling the curtains down on Dudley's music and entertainment heritage."

In the autumn last year the council ran a consultation seeking alternative plans for the site by the end of the year.

Despite several early expressions of interest only one business plan was received to run the venue.

But council officials say an independent consultant, was found to have a number of 'significant gaps in the information provided'.

Dudley Council leader, Councillor Pete Lowe, said: "My door will continue to be open for any viable suggestions."