PASTOR Paul Hill claims that attempts by the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God (UCKG) to sell Walthamstow’s EMD cinema building failed because of the stumbling block was the cost of refurbishment (Guardian May 14).

I’m sorry? If I was selling you my house would I decide not to accept your offer because I thought you couldn’t afford to redecorate?

Pastor Paul’s comments are the latest move in a propaganda war to convince us all that this marvellous building cannot be reopened as a cinema.

The most insidious aspect of this propaganda is the exterior of the building. Don’t think that it reflects the state of the interior – that’s the listed part and English Heritage has inspected it recently. There is no reason for the exterior to be in that condition. The UCKG could give it a lick of paint tomorrow. Would Guardian readers allow their front doors to get in that state?

The UCKG has admitted in the past that there have been offers to buy the building and I personally know of a local businessman who has offered more than £2million. There are also cinema operators interested in running it, including the Genesis in Whitechapel, successfully based in a very similar building.

Last time the UCKG applied for planning permission the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister ruled that, because Waltham Forest is the only London borough without a cinema, their plans could not go ahead.

Nothing has changed - the so-called council regeneration head Cllr Terry Wheeler can shout till he’s blue in the face.The UCKG should cut their loses and sell this building to someone who will give the people of Waltham Forest back their cinema.

Ian Caldow,

Greenleaf Road,

Walthamstow.