Dudley Hippodrome under threat: Fresh bid to stage fundraising concert

Campaigners have already begun starting to work up two events planned to bring in cash for the scheme.

Sedgley councillor and West Midlands MEP Bill Etheridge has made a new attempt to host an event in the town.

He urged Dudley Council leader Councillor Pete Lowe and leading councillors to consider the proposal and hopes a venue can be found in the town to host the fundraising gig.

Well-known entertainer Ken Dodd has already pledged his support for such a gig to be staged and Mr Etheridge says that it is time to push ahead with the proposals for the show.

"A gala night such as this would provide a boost to initial funding for the Friends of the Hippodrome, giving them some working capital before the grants roll in," he said.

"What we want to see is some backing from the current council for what could be a huge draw for the Dudley area.

"Allowing us to use Dudley Town Hall at cost would maximise the amount the friends could raise as it's currently the largest such venue in the area."

Friends of Dudley Hippodrome group chairman, Gordon Downing, welcomed the move.

"It would be good, it is something we have wanted for a while," he said.

Councillor Lowe said: "If Bill wants to put forward a proposal and send it to the relevant officers of course it would be considered.

"While not giving a preference to anybody will we obviously look at it sympathetically."

A fundraising screen of a film telling the life story of Dudley-born England and Manchester United and footballer Duncan Edwards takes place on March 4 at 7.30pm at the Cable Plaza Cafe, at The Waterfront, in Brierley Hill.

Two Laurel and Hardy films will be screened alongside a night of live music at The Station Hotel, in Castle Hill on February 28 from 6pm.

Campaigners have until the end of February to put updated business plans into the council to save the venue.