AN online petition calling for the sale of the EMD Cinema has been launched by the McGuffin Film Society.

The move follows a statement released by one of the bidders, saying that he had twice offered the building's owner seven-figure bids for the site but was ignored.

The bidder, who wishes to remain anonymous, said: "The cinema has already been sitting empty for three years so it's frustrating that the sale is taking so long.

"I have even agreed with a major operator to run the building as a cinema.

"I really don't mind whether it's me or someone else who makes it happen. In fact, if another bidder wins and is looking to restore the cinema then I'd be very happy to help him in any way I can."

The empty building in Hoe Street, Walthamstow formerly the Granada cinema has been up for sale since the end of last year and although a deadline for offers was set for March 31, no further progress has been made.

McGuffin spokesman Bill Hodgson said that the society had been in touch with other potential purchasers, who had also expressed their frustration with the slow pace of the sale.

The society launched the petition to demonstrate support among local people for the building to be saved and reopened.

"It calls on the owner, the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God (UCKG), to sell the EMD as quickly as possible and preferably to a buyer committed to restoring it as a cinema.

"The petition can be accessed and signed in less than a minute so we are urging everyone to get online and show their continued support for the EMD," he said.

UCKG bought the EMD three years ago with the intention of turning it into a church.

Following a lengthy campaign by local people, co-ordinated by the McGuffin Film Society, a public inquiry was held and this ruled that the building should remain a cinema.

Market research conducted by Marketlink for Waltham Forest Council last year found that 39 per cent of people questioned backed the idea of "reviving a refurbished old cinema", while only 25 per cent of respondents said they would prefer "a purpose-built modern cinema" and 22 per cent of those said they "didn't mind so long as the area had a cinema".

"Given the wide range of bidders it is clear the building could have a viable future," said Mr. Hodgson.

"We are calling on all cinema supporters to sign the online petition and show their support for reviving this unique local asset."

To sign the online petition visit the website at www.mcguffin.info.