HOPES of rekindling Burnley’s Empire theatre appear to be dwindling as it became the fourth most endangered in the country, according to a report.

The Theatres Trust's national survey highlights 58 theatres 'at risk' of closure or never returning to their original purpose.

Colin Sanderson, chairman of the Burnley Light Opera Society, has all but given up hope of seeing the Grade II listed building returned to its former glory.

“We’ve tried before but the campaign has practically finished now. But if there was some cause for encouragement I would start it up again,” he said.

Mark Price, an adviser at the Theatres Trust, pointed to a lack of engagement with the current owner as one of the chief problems, as well as financial issues.

“There are groups that want this theatre back and we are drawing attention to that. The Empire is a proper theatre and would work well alongside the Mechanics.

“It has been much harder this year with a reduction in central and local authority funding. We hope the localism bill might give some more power to communities.”

First built in 1894 by G B Rawcliffe, the Empire was overhauled in 1911 by renowned theatre architect Bertie Crewe, and his arched proscenium, Classical style plasterwork and Corinthian columns have mostly survived.

The theatre has even been surveyed by ‘urban explorers’ who have detailed the auditorium’s shabby interior online.