Theatre surveyor refuses to rule

The building has been sealed off since the collapse

The decision on whether to demolish a Derbyshire theatre has been thrown into more turmoil after a building inspector pulled out of the job.

Derby City Council and the owner of Derby's Hippodrome agreed to abide by the results of an independent survey to see if it could be saved.

But the surveyor emailed both parties to say he was uncomfortable with his role as an expert witness.

The owners appealed to the High Court to deal with an "untenable situation".

Since part of the derelict former theatre collapsed during supposed repair work in March, the owner and city council have been battling over its future.

Future pledge

Businessman Christopher Anthony insists the structure is unsafe but the council believes it can be restored.

The High Court said an independent expert should make the decision.

The consultant engineer was due on site at Green Lane on Thursday morning but he declined to appear and suggested a larger organisation was contacted.

The council said it would continue to do all it could to safeguard the venue.