PLANS to close Dudley Museum and bulldoze the old Hippodrome theatre could be stopped in their tracks following a post-election battle for power within Dudley Council.

The fate of the former theatre and the popular museum and art gallery have been hot topics during cross-party discussions about the future leadership of the council since Labour lost overall control of the authority on May 5.

Talks about who might do a deal with who have been going on for more than a week and a final decision will be confirmed at the council's AGM tomorrow night (Thursday).

But it has emerged Labour is poised to remain in control of the authority despite failing to win a majority - after UKIP ruled out doing a deal with the Conservatives.

However - with Labour only holding 35 seats in the 72-seat strong council chamber - UKIP members now have their sights set on overturning the decisions regarding the red-bricked museum and the Hippodrome and the purple party has requested a number of its policies be considered.

Councillor Paul Brothwood, leader of the eight-strong UKIP group on Dudley Council, this week said he would “work with any party” to get the scheme scrapped to help save the historic building - and he wants the Friends of Dudley Hippodrome to be given a fair shot at realising their dreams of returning the venue to its former glory.

He said: "They've worked so hard on their latest business plan but they haven't got the lease, which they need to access the majority of funding, so let’s give it to them."

Cllr Brothwood said he would like the Friends to have a long-term lease on the basis they could prove they could raise the required funds within a set timeframe.

He said it would be "last chance saloon" and if the group could not make it work the council would take back the lease and look at alternative options.

The councillor said he was pleased UKIP’s vision for the Hippodrome and the party’s desire to halt the closure of Dudley Museum had been listened to during talks regarding the council’s leadership and he added: “Our role now is to ensure these are set in motion and hold the largest party in the council to account.”

He continued: “With Labour having the largest number of councillors they do have the democratic mandate to lead the council and with my group remaining independent it will allow for increased scrutiny which was a key objective for us.”

However, in post-election negotiations UKIP has reportedly grabbed a chairmanship of a council committee and a paid appointment to an outside body (Centro) in a move that has led Dudley's Conservative leader, Councillor Patrick Harley, to accuse cllr Brothwood of reneging on his promise not to do a deal with Labour.

He said: “That’s exactly what he’s gone and done.”

He accused the group of being “bought off by the Labour group” and said: “They came to us with a huge shopping list of demands.”

Cllr Brothwood, however, said UKIP negotiated the same options with both Labour and the Conservatives and decided not to enter into any formal coalition with either.

Labour leader - Councillor Pete Lowe - who is expected to remain as council leader - said the Tories have also been offered the chance to chair three scrutiny committees.