THE former Burnley Empire Theatre has been named the fifth most at risk venue across the UK.

The 1,200 seat venue, which has been out of use for more than 20 years, has moved from the 22nd most at risk venue into the top five in the list compiled by the Theatres Trust.

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The list includes 36 buildings across the UK which are in danger of being closed or lost forever.

Campaigners are currently awaiting the outcome of a viability survey which could determine the Grade II-listed building’s future.

Acting chair of the Burnley Empire Theatre Trust Shaun McCree said they are hoping to be able to restore the theatre and bring it back into use.

He said: “Part of the reason it has moved up is because time is against us.

“There is a higher risk because the longer we wait the more damage is done to the building and the more difficult it will be to save it.

“It is also because we formed a group at the end of last year which has had considerable public support and has helped raise awareness.

“Before the Theatres Trust did not see a possibility of it being saved, but now they do.”

He said the viability study, which will look at whether it is financially viable to have it running, is expected to be completed next month and will determine whether the theatre can be saved and in what form it would work.

As part of the study they are asking people to complete a survey before September 30.

“The council cannot afford to support it so we have to have a model for it to be able to go forward. The worst case scenario would be for it to not reopen,” he said.

“We want people to have a say in how it should be run in the future and find out whether people would be willing to help out and get involved in running it.

“Part of that will look at whether people want it to be available for community use as well as a theatre.

“It was a significant building in its day and last operated as a theatre in the 1970s. There’s no other venue quite like it in East Lancashire.”

Cllr Roger Frost said the restoration will be a long process.

“People are prepared to take it on board and I am amazed at the commitment of those working on the project,” he said.

The Cow Lane venue hosted the likes of Charlie Chaplin and magician Chung Ling Soo, retains many of its original features.” and is one of the few remaining buildings by dynamic designer and architect Bertie Crewe.

Interim Director of the trust Rebecca Morland said: “Each theatre on the register has an important place in its community.

“Our experience shows us that where campaign groups are in place, they can make a real difference to the future of these theatres.”

To take part in the survey visit www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/DSZYTT9.