THE future of Dudley Hippodrome looks bleak as the company that withdrew its £8million investment bid has refused to reopen negotiations.

Campaigners hoped that The Rok Group could still be persuaded to go ahead with its plan to acquire, re-open and refurbish the former cinema and bingo hall.

But as issues surrounding business rates, cost of removing asbestos and the use of Dudley Zoo's car park remain unresolved, Jason Francis, CEO at the Midlands-based company, said entering into further talks with Dudley Council would be "pointless" and would only serve to "appease disgruntled constituents".

He admitted the use of the car park was outside of the council's direct control, but maintained a verbal agreement had been made and later retracted by the zoo.

He continued: "The council are fully aware of the three conditions that have to be met before we are willing to reopen negotiations."

Despite Mr Francis' cynicism, Councillor Paul Brothwood is still keen to get all interested parties together to discuss issues as he believes there has been a great deal of "miscommunication".

Cllr Brothwood said he believed things could still be resolved if an agreement could be reached on the car park.

He said sharing the facility would not be an issue during the evenings but as the plan is to hold daytime events at the Hippodrome, the zoo is concerned its customers would struggle to park.

Hippodrome campaigner Garry Sawyers, also known as Black Country Gaz, said it would be "very sad" if the zoo's reluctance to share the car park sealed the venue's fate.

He added: "You would think a new agreement over the car park behind the Hippodrome would be a reasonable request to the zoo."

Zoo director Derek Grove told the News: "The zoo has welcomed discussions regarding the use of the zoo's car park but now faces criticism for not agreeing to terms which are impractical and would leave some of our customers with nowhere to park."

He said the car park had been full on several occasions this year, without "the additional vehicles that would be attracted to the Hippodrome" but added: "We are happy to discuss use of the car park as long as it will not cause damage to our business by preventing use by our own visitors."

Councillor Pete Lowe, leader of the council, said he was not in a position to address the car park issue but said the rest of Rok's demands would result in an ongoing cost to borough taxpayers.

He said the Hippodrome could not be left in its current state "forever", adding: "A decision will need to be taken in the near future. But I hope even at this last late hour, we would welcome any organisation that has the funds and the plans to manage the Hippodrome that didn't have a drain on council resources."

An extraordinary meeting of the council will take place on July 20 to thrash out ideas regarding the site's future.