Kingston Council is considering whether to knock down a derelict New Malden theatre and rebuild it again from scratch.

Leader of the council, Councillor Derek Osbourne, said Barton Green theatre could be knocked down as repairing the building would cost too much and would not be economically viable.

A new building would be built in its place in Elm Road for community use if this was decided.

The admission came after surveyors assessed the theatre earlier this year.

But councillor Lynne Finnerty said: "I really don’t know what’s going on.

"We are pretty much in the dark. A youth theatre would be great."

Last year the Green Theatre Company moved into the Cornerhouse Theatre in Surbiton.