Businesses join fight to save Dudley Hippodrome

Taxi drivers, hotels and High Street stores are among those rallying behind the Friends of Dudley Hippodrome.

It is the latest attempt by campaigners to reveal the strength of feeling by business owners who say there are wider benefits of re-opening the 1930s theatre. Group spokesman Geoff Fitzpatrick today said he was delighted so many traders had signed up to back the bid.

Among those to support the campaign are bosses at the landmark Station Hotel opposite the former theatre, where many public meetings have been held.

Deputy manager Jason Lewis-Young said the hotel, where many of the performers such as George Formby once stayed, was behind the campaigners.

"We are fully supporting them all the way because we can see that the Hippodrome would bring wider benefits to town," he said.

"Places like the Black Country Living Museum, the zoo and the caverns are the gems of Dudley and we should be passionate about anything that would help bring more people to Dudley."

Other businesses backing the group are Harpers Florists and John Green Butchers in the Fountain Arcade, off the High Street.

Now members of Dudley Private Hire and Taxi Association have also come out to support the group, saying it is good for business.

Chairman Shaz Saleem said: "Having the Hippodrome will be good for the community as it will bring people from around the borough and tourists from elsewhere in the Midlands into Dudley and many will use taxis. Everyone should be supporting this cause."

Mr Fitzpatrick said campaigners will continue to speak to other businesses in the coming days to get their views on the benefits that can be brought to Dudley by having community theatre shows and West End touring productions at the venue.

He added that there would be up to 1,700 people coming to each show, increasing trade for local restaurants, bars and hotels as well as taxi services.

Dudley Council's planning department is yet to make a decision on the application to demolish the building.