Council vow over theatre repair

A large part of the building has already collapsed

The bill for repairing Derby's Hippodrome will be given to the owner, the city council has said.

The council won an injunction stopping businessman Christopher Anthony from working on the Green Lane site - which was severely damaged during repairs.

Now it wants an asbestos curtain removed and the building stabilised and expects Mr Anthony to pay for it.

But Mr Anthony has said the building is unsafe and has applied for permission to demolish it completely.

The High Court ordered that no further work take place on the Grade II listed building other than vital safety work.

Since this, council officials have had several meetings discussing how to keep the building safe and secure.

They have said they are prepared to use the full force of the law to make sure the work is done without more cost to the taxpayer.