New delay over theatre decision

Parts of the building contain asbestos

The fate of a Grade II listed theatre is still in doubt after a High Court judge reserved his decision after a two day hearing.

Derby City Council wants to save the Hippodrome, while its current owner insists the building is now dangerous.

An earlier court hearing had handed the matter over to a building inspector who then said he did not want the job.

Now the judge has said he wants more time to study the facts before deciding whether to allow demolition to proceed.

Collapsed wall

At the hearing both sides agreed that asbestos in the venue had to be removed, so the judge said he could not grant an injunction halting all work at the site.

He told both sides to discuss how to complete this work and he would consider the matter again on Friday.

The venue, which dates from the early 20th Century, has stood empty for some months.

In March, repair work by the owner caused a large part of the roof and an external wall to collapse.