The closure of Dudley Museum and plans to bulldoze Dudley Hippodrome could be halted after a battle for power within Dudley Council.

The fate of the former theatre and the popular museum and art gallery have been hot topics during cross-party discussions about the future leadership of the council since Labour lost overall control of the authority after the local elections. Talks have been ongoing for more than a week and a final decision will be confirmed at the council's AGM tomorrow evening.

Whilst it seems that Labour is poised to remain in control of the authority, despite failing to win a majority with only 35 of the 72 seats, UKIP members now have their sights set on overturning the decisions regarding the ill fated museum and theatre.

Councillor Paul Brothwood, leader of the UKIP group on Dudley Council, commended the Friends of Dudley Hippodrome campaign group. He said:

"They've worked so hard on their latest business plan but they haven't got the lease, which they need to access the majority of funding, so let’s give it to them."

He added that it would be a "last chance saloon" and if the group could not make it work the council would take back the lease and look at alternative options.

However, whilst the news will likely be met with excitement by many, some members of the public were more cynical. One person we spoke to said:

"I hope this isn't UKIP using something that's of great significance to many to get votes. If the council can't afford to run the museum, then they can't afford to run it.

"If this is a case of councillors 'cosying up' to the campaigners to get them on their side, then that would be totally unfair."