THE owners of the former EMD cinema have dismissed claims it is not protecting the Grade II listed building.

Debris from the building's canopy, in Hoe Street, Walthamtow, have fallen twice recently, prompting allegations from cinema campaigners the McGuffin Film Society that its owners are allowing the Art Deco building to fall into disrepair.

But property acquisitions manager for UCKG, Pastor Paul Hill, said the UCKG believes the canopy is structurally sound.

He said: “Unfortunately wind, rain and roosting pigeons have caused deterioration of the envelope of the canopy.   “We appreciate that this needs to be repaired, and indeed had started on such work when health and safety issues were raised.

“We are now in the process of obtaining the necessary licences to make thorough repairs to the canopy, and are aiming to get this matter resolved as soon as practicable.”

A Health and Safety Prohibition Notice was issued last month preventing anyone from entering the building unless they are wearing protective equipment to protect them from exposure to asbestos.

A council spokesman said that this does not ban anyone from entering the building if they have the necessary equipment, but repairs have been delayed while the church obtains a licence to erect scaffolding around the canopy.

He added that a council worker is checking the building's exterior daily to ensure it does not present a danger to the public.

High Street ward Lib Dem councillors have called on the council's chief executive to do everything in his power to protect the 107 listed buildings in Waltham Forest, including the cinema.

Cllr James O’Rourke said: “I have asked the chief executive to seriously consider invoking his powers under the Town & Country Planning Act 1990 to issue either an Urgent Works or Repair Notice to protect this historic building and passer-bys from being seriously injured.

“Clearly, this buildings integrity is a major concern after a Health and Safety Prohibition Notice was issued a couple of weeks ago. Whatever the future of this building may be its heritage needs to be protected.”