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Beverley Knight backs Dudley Hippodrome fight as campaigners plan fundraising night

Wolverhampton legend Beverley Knight is the latest to back a long-standing campaign to save Dudley Hippodrome.

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Beverley Knight is backing calls to save the Hippodrome

The singer said she hoped the decision to move talks further over turning the Dudley Hippodrome into a £9million hub for driverless vehicles was not the 'end of the story'.

Dudley Council's cabinet passed a motion allowing council officers to discuss the plans with a consortium further and rejected another bid hoping to turn the landmark site into a theatre.

Beverley, an ambassador of the Theatres Trust, said: "Growing up in Wolverhampton I was fortunate enough to have access to local venues like the Hippodrome. It was at local level that I learned to love and hone my craft.

"I hate the thought that future generations won’t have the same opportunities I had and I hope that the latest sad news about Dudley Hippodrome isn’t the end of its story.

"The council's decision is hugely disappointing for everyone who has been working to bring Dudley Hippodrome back into use for the community, but some hope still remains.

"While it is frustrating the council did not give the campaign group the same opportunity to prove their business plan, this 12-month period does give them the time to strengthen their campaign and continue to build support for Dudley Hippodrome, should the driverless vehicle proposal prove unviable.

"The theatre is situated in a prominent part of Dudley that has been highlighted for regeneration – a revitalised Dudley Hippodrome could make a significant social and economic contribution to the local area."

Dudley Hippodrome

The Theatres Trust has long backed calls for the venue to be saved.

It previously placed the Hippodrome on its 'at risk' register and urged action to preserve it.

Members of Dudley Hippodrome Community Group have vowed to fight on.

They will host a celebration night marking the Hippodrome's 80th birthday.

The grand variety night will take place on December 21 at the Station Hotel, in Castle Hill, Dudley.

Details on the fundraising night

It is hosted by comedian Marlene, the Black Country Wench, featuring a line up of top acts, from 7.30pm.

Tickets are £10 and are available by calling 01384 404470 or 07502 240096 or 07305 924385.

Paul Windchurch, chairman of the Dudley Hippodrome Friends Group, said: "I think it is a bit disgraceful the way Dudley Hippodrome has been handled."

Dudley Hippodrome Community Group members have vowed to fight on

Council leaders felt the driverless vehicles bid was a better option for the future of the site, built in 1938.

Dudley Council leader Qadar Zada said: "The heart was with the hippodrome (theatre plans), but the head means we have to take into context what the report says."

Under the plans, the Dudley Zoo, the Black Country Living Museum and Dudley Canal Trust would also be linked up with driverless vehicles.

The Dudley Driverless Vehicles Consortium has been given 12 months to come up with a suitable bid.

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