HIPPODROME campaigners have been given another boost as fallback plans to demolish the former bingo hall have been withdrawn.

Black Country Hippodrome Ltd hope to transform the dilapidated building into a thriving theatre after signing a five-year lease with Dudley Council.

Although council bosses continue to work closely with campaigners, they still put forward a planning application to demolish the building, should the group fail.

But Councillor Paul Brothwood, leader of the borough's UKIP group, said he believed the application "would have acted as a barrier to potential investors".

He said following "intense discussions" yesterday, the council had withdrawn the application, adding: "UKIP made this a red line following years of support for this project and confirmed there was no negotiating on this.

"The application had to be withdrawn or there would have been a move to push for a vote of no confidence.

"I'm pleased the council have listened to us, but well will be watching closely to help ensure this is a success for Dudley."

The move has been welcomed by Dr Paul Collins, the chairman of Black Country Hippodrome Ltd, who said: "We are delighted that the planning application to demolish the Hippodrome has been withdrawn."

He continued: "Whilst we understood why the council felt they needed a fallback plan if our efforts ultimately were to fail, we thought that the timing of this was presumptive.

"It also presented us with major difficulties when approaching funders having such a threat hanging over the building.

"If and when the council do want to give themselves consent to demolish the building, this is not a long process and could and should be approached only when the actual need to do so arises."

Councillor Khurshid Ahmed, cabinet member for planning and economic development, said: “The group recently voiced concerns that the planning application for potential demolition of the building, which is a fallback plan if agreed milestones are not met, could have a detrimental effect on potential funding opportunities.

“We have now taken the decision to withdraw the application but would look to reinstate the plans if the group were to be unsuccessful in achieving their goals.”