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Dudley Hippodrome fate reaches European Parliament

The future of Dudley Hippodrome has been raised in European Parliament in a bid to secure support to re-open the venue.

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EU Commissioner for Regional Policy Corina Cretu has agreed to discuss a possible visit to the borough following an invite by West Midlands MEP Bill Etheridge.

It comes after an 11th hour business plan to save Dudley Hippodrome from demolition was rejected by council chiefs.

Despite announcing they were pushing ahead with redevelopment plans, they have given the Friends of Dudley Hippodrome until the end of the month to address the authority's concerns about the group's proposal.

Mr Etheridge raised the issue in yesterday's European Parliament debate in Strasbourg.

He has now called for a halt in the plans until Commissioner Cretu has discussed a visit.

Speaking during the debate he said: "There is an issue within the West Midlands where we need help for regional funding, and after all the UK does contribute far more to the EU than we ever get out, it would be wonderful if you (the Commissioner) could come and have a look at the region with me.

"In particular I would like to raise the issue of the Dudley Hippodrome with you which requires funding to get back off the ground."

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