THE Wanstead Society is stepping up its campaign against plans to demolish the High Street's historic Kinema building, with just weeks to go before the council's expected deadline for objections to the proposals.

The scheme, which would see the Victorian building knocked down and replaced by nine flats and a restaurant, has provoked outrage from some residents, who believe the move will further erode Wanstead's “village” character.

The society are now urging more residents to write to the council to object to the plans.

Society member Jamie Hodge said the campaign was gaining momentum, but more letters of protest were needed.

He said: “Since we launched the campaign there does seem to be a strong groundswell of opposition.

“We've also had some good feedback from local councillors and opposition candidates.

“I think many people agree that the proposal to demolish the Kinema and replace it with an intensely modern building would completely ruin the look and feel of this part of Wanstead.

“We're really encouraging people to write as many letters as they can.”

For information on how to comment on the plans, visit redbridge.gov.uk or the Wanstead Society's website at wansteadsociety.org.uk.

The Wanstead Society expect the deadline for objections to be declared withint weeks.

A council spokesman said: “Both of these applications [for planning permission and conservation area consent] are at a very early stage and a date for their decision has not yet been set.

“These applications, like any other, will be dealt with on their merits and a decision made in due course.”