Theatre owner faces repair bill

A large part of the building has already collapsed

A businessman has been ordered to spend £5,000 to protect a disused Grade II listed theatre that has been partially demolished.

Derby Hippodrome owner Christopher Anthony has been told by city council leaders to pay for weatherproofing to protect the site during winter.

The building was the centre of a controversy after its roof was partly ripped down.

The High Court then ordered building work to be halted.

Derby City Council has now issued an urgent repair works notice on Mr Anthony, who has been unavailable for comment.

The council's chief legal advisor Stuart Leslie said: "The urgent notice will require Mr Anthony to carry out works to weatherproof the building including local repairs to the remaining roof structure to protect the building in the winter.

He said the work was a "prelude to further work".

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.

The council is drawing up an action plan for the building in the next few weeks.