WALTHAMSTOW MP Stella Creasy has hit back at the owner of the former EMD cinema after she was accused of breaking the law by trespassing in the building.
It comes after the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God (UCKG), which wants to convert the building into a place of worship, sent out more than 400 letters to residents last week attacking some of its critics.
The group came under heavy criticism from Ms Creasy and campaigners when widespread damage to the inside of the cinema was discovered following an occupation of the building in Hoe Street, Walthamstow, by squatters back in February.
In the letter, the UCKG said reported comments that it was failing to maintain the site were "ill informed”.
The church insisted there was nothing new about most of the damage, but claimed that pumps preventing the flooding of the main auditorium appeared to have been deliberately cut.
It also said that those who entered the building to take photographs, such as Ms Creasy, had broken the law.
Ms Creasy would not be interviewed or comment on the claims, but has issued a statement.
It said: “I wrote to the UCKG on 21 February detailing my concerns about the state of the former EMD cinema’s interior.
"The sheer number of factual inaccuracies in the UCKG’s recent response to this only serve to heighten my concerns about their stewardship of the site.
"I’m disappointed that, rather than taking seriously their obligations to preserve this iconic piece of local heritage, they appear to be seeking to avoid their responsibilities.
"The video footage I sent them showed water dripping from the radiators, down the walls, from the ceilings and pooling under the floorboards.
"I do not believe this water could have accumulated within a short space of time. I urge anyone concerned to view the footage themselves and come to their own judgement.
“I will continue to press all concerned for proper protections to be put in place for Walthamstow’s heritage.”
The Guardian is awaiting a comment from UCKG and has asked the police to confirm whether an investigation has been launched.
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