BUSINESS men and women have pledged to support the campaign to save the former EMD cinema.

Representatives of Walthamstow's business community gathered outside the Hoe Street building last weekend to back the McGuffin Film Society's campaign and show their support for saving the historic venue.

The owners, the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God (UCKG), have submitted an application to Waltham Forest Council to convert the former cinema into a centre for religious use.

Ben Tobin, managing director of estate agent Strettons, said: "Since the council's failure to secure a development on the former Arcade site the cinema is one of the most focal points in the town centre.

"There is a strong need for a viable town centre and this would be a significant boost."

Some of the area's restaurants and bar owners believe a cinema would boost the night-time economy.

Peking Chef manageress Ming Feng Li said: "The cinema would generate more customers who would use local amenities before and after going to screenings."

The McGuffin Film Society is leading the campaign to save the cinema and is lobbying councillors to reject UCKG's plans for the building.

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