URGENT repairs are needed to save Burnley’s only listed Victorian theatre.

The glory days of the Empire theatre in Burnley town centre have long gone due to a serious lack of mainten-ance, according to a national arts trust.

The theatre, which became a bingo hall until the 1990s, was saved from demolition due to a campaign launched by the Burnley Light Opera Society 13 years ago.

Though the building has since become a listed property and is currently for sale, the Theatre Trust charity said the Burnley site was seriously in need of urgent repairs.

A spokesperson from the trust, said: “The building is in a very poor state of repair.

“The Empire is in a central location within the town centre.

"However, the demolition of the former Victoria Opera House has meant that it does not have any proper or attractive facade.

“In effect, the building is isolated within backland development.

“The theatre is not being maintained and Burnley may lose its only listed Victorian theatre.”

Bosses at the Theatre Trust and Burnley Borough Council have been trying to gain access to assess what repairs are necessary to stabilise the building.

A council spokesperson said that as the building was privately owned it was limited what it could do.

It is understood that the Burnley Light Opera Society is looking to purchase the privately-owned building and bring the theatre back to life.

The Empire Theatre, which featured performances by Cliff Richard in its heyday, is one of two north west theatres placed on an at-risk register by the trust.