Sell-off to church was why EMD cinema shut (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

Sell-off to church was why EMD cinema shut

3:48pm Wednesday 18th June 2008 in News

IT is no wonder the identity of 'Walthamstow Mum' was hidden, judging by the crass remarks in last week's Guardian that the EMD was 'rubbish as a cinema - cold, uncomfortable and never showed any good films'.

It operated successfully as a cinema for over 70 years and still remains, even in its current condition, one of the country's finest cinema buildings.

It should also be noted that closure of the EMD was due entirely to its purchase by a church at twice the market value, and prior to the Government's ruling against a change of use.

Paul Smith's letter suggests campaigners raise money to buy the EMD for use as an arts centre.

The UCKG paid £2.8 million for the EMD in 2002.

Would campaigners really be able to raise a similar sum, plus additional costs to restore the venue?

But it can certainly be restored and be run successfully.

Richard Ashman, Pembroke Road, Walthamstow.