A “FORGOTTEN” derelict cinema in the centre of Walthamstow should be brought back into public use by the council, campaigners say.

The Dominion building, in Buxton Road, off High Street, has been closed since the mid 90s. Its broken windows are boarded up and graffiti has been daubed on its walls.

Following a council announcement that it may acquire the nearby Sainsbury’s building as part of the regeneration of the area, questions have been asked about why the privately-owned building has been neglected.

Its plight has often been over-shadowed by controversy of the future of the former EMD cinema on Hoe Street, which is Grade II listed, and owned by evangelical group, the United Church of the Kingdom of God.

But Martin Adams of Antiscrap, which campaigns for better cultural facilities, has challenged the council to act.

He said: “The council has, over the last few years, closed lots of smaller meeting rooms and premises, and as a result community groups have nowhere to go.

“There are a number of buildings which are disused in the borough at the moment and all of them, including the Dominion, can be used for some form of arts centre or theatre, or to hold exhibitions.

“The council has the ability to try and purchase the site, but it depends whether it has the will.””

The property, which until 1996 was a Mecca Bingo Club operated by a company called Jasmine, is owned by American firm Chelsea Corporation.

A council spokesman said the authority has issued a number of notices on the owners to tidy up the property, which has attracted fly-tipping.

He said: “Unfortunately the owners have not responded and the council has followed up on the required work at its own expense.

“Given that the property is privately owned, structurally sound and does not represent a risk to public health, the council is unable to take any immediate action - though further options are currently being explored.”

Cllr James O'Rourke, High Street Liberal Democrat councillor, said there have been discussions about a compulsory purchase the site by the council, but these have not progressed very far.

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