'Ealing Needs Its Cinema'
Local MP backs petition and campaign
The Ealing Central and Acton MP Angie Bray has added her voice to the Saving Ealing Cinema campaign.
She has joined thousands of people who have signed a petition urging Empire - owners of the derelict site - to get on with the proposed redevelopment.
It's been empty and an eyesore in the centre of Ealing for two years.
The company responded before Christmas - reassuring campaigners that work would be starting on the site in the New Year.
Empire's Operations Director Paul Baxter has now said that although he can't give a start date a further statement would be issued within the next few weeks.
Angie Bray says it's vital Empire get on with it:
''We need to put Ealing back on the map where it rightly belongs - at the centre of film. Ealing Studios, are the longest established film studios in the world. They put the UK right at the centre of the International film industry.
''Ealing has a special place in people's hearts for that reason. To say we don't have a cinema strikes people as ridiculous. We've got to have a cinema, it will put Ealing back where it ought to be right in the middle of the film map.''
19 January 2011
