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TOWN PROTEST: Campaigners fighting to save the State cinema in Grays were joined on the streets by Thurrock Labour leader councillor John Kent, centre. Anyone wishing to support the campaign can do so at www.statecinema.co.uk. from left, campaigner and theatre restoration expert Peter Hammond, campaigner Anjie Gaywood, councillor Kent, campaign leader Joe Gardner and local renactment society member and 'Save the State' campaigner Peter Valentine.

THURROCK Council leader Terry Hipsey has given a positive response to a petition by campaigners trying to save Grays' derelict State cinema.

They had called on councillor Hipsey to make a personal interest in the project because of his dual role as a member of the Thurrock Thames Gateway Development Corporation board.

And the leading borough councillor has responded by saying: "I appreciate the concern in the community for this building and it is a concern that we share.

"I have listened to what the campaigners have had to say with great interest and I am delighted to say that we are looking at commissioning a body to look into the business potential and viability of the State and I've already had a meeting with the Development Corporation to open up a dialogue on this issue."

At a recent meeting of Thurrock Council campaigners handed over a petition containing 3,376 signatures, calling on the Council and Development Corporation to act to stop the building decaying further.

Campaign spokesperson Anjie Gaywood, 40, from Orsett said: "Save The State Cinema Campaign was established to raise awareness of the current condition of the building and to raise support for the proposal to re-instate this historic building as a central focus for Grays to provide a unique Events venue for the people of Thurrock.

"The State is one of the very few fully intact Art Deco 1930's super cinemas left in the entire country.

"We demanded that as a board member of the Development Corporation Mr Hipsey and additionally Thurrock Council take action to ensure that urgent remedial works identified in a structural survey in 2003 be carried out to preserve this listed building.

"The Council have a clear duty to ensure that this listed building is preserved and we require the Council to request TTGDC ensure that either TSP the current private owners carry out fully the work required or alternatively make a compulsory purchase order.

"Previous requests made to the Development Corporation, council officers and chief executive, Angie Ridgwell to ensure that appropriate action be taken immediately have fallen on deaf ears."

Campaigners also say that there is interest in keeping the building alive from entrepreneurs.

Ms Gaywood continued: "A clear interest has been shown by HQ Theatres (who run both the Cliffs pavilion and Palace Theatres) in running the State as a local venue for theatre, musical and comedy performances.

"They have written to the Council, the Gateway Development Corporation and the current owner expressing this interest and viability.

"This would provide a fantastic opportunity for the Council to ensure that Grays is placed firmly on the map, and to create much needed regeneration in Grays town centre.

"The Council should take serious note of the level of feeling and support for the State that this campaign has generated with the residents of Thurrock."

12:40pm Wednesday 2nd April 2008

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