Supporters of Dudley Hippodrome have vowed to fight the council after it was revealed that plans have already been drawn up for what could replace it.

It comes after the local authority unveiled an artist’s impression of an outdoor exhibition area which would be built on the land occupied by the derelict building.

The Friends of Dudley Hippodrome, which has been battling to save and refurbish it, described the unveiling as “diabolical” and “disgraceful”.

The authority’s proposals are set to go before councillors at a meeting next week, where they could decide to submit a planning application for the site.