THE Borough's Liberal Democrats have attacked the council leadership's “lukewarm response” to a recent report on the future of the former EMD cinema.

Locum Consulting's report this week named the currently derelict cinema as “Probably the single most valuable asset Walthamstow has” as an entertainment venue, and one which could “potentially put Walthamstow on the map”.

But council leader Chris Robbins, who commissioned the report, has sounded a note of caution stating the venue, in Hoe Street, Walthamstow, would be unlikely to succeed as a commercial cinema and would require a large amount of grant funding to restore.

Mahmood Hussain, who was Liberal Democrat candidate for High Street ward in May's council election, said: “It is extremely disappointing that the Labour leader of the council is so dismissive, especially as he approved the commissioning of the report in the first place.

“The publication of this report definitely moves the debate forward. Locum Consulting has set out a realistic vision of a cinema-orientated multi-use venue which would help regenerate Walthamstow Town Centre and improve the cultural life of the area.”

The EMD building is currently owned by the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God (UCKG), and they would have to be involved in any plans for the venue.

Lib Dem group leader Bob Sullivan said: “Of course there are many obstacles ahead and much depends on the attitude of the UCKG.

“We urge the church to respond positively. The council does not have the money to fund the project on its own. But it should be prepared to work closely in partnership with any Trust or Community Interest Company that emerges, and provide practical support to kick-start the process.”