Work has still not started despite reassurances to the contrary
The Ealing Central and Acton MP, Angie Bray, has expressed her disappointment and concern that work still hasn't started on Ealing's neglected cinema.
She has written to Empire CEO, Justin Ribbons, urging him to contact her for a further meeting to discuss what exactly is going on.
Ms Bray says when she met Mr Ribbons last year he had been very clear that once planning permission had been approved, and, following a period of preparation, work would be able to start immediately.
She writes: ''Clearly, it has not worked out like that, so far.''
'' You will appreciate. I am sure, that such a long time without a cinema has left Ealing residents impatient for good news and there was a great deal of anticipation and excitement that 2012 would be the start of our new cinema.''
She concludes by urging Mr Ribbons to contact her to discuss the matter further.
Cllr David Millican, Conservative Group Leader says: "It is high time that Empire Cinemas got on and re-built Ealing Cinema. Angie Bray MP has been doing a great job at keeping the pressure on and I hope that they will finally start the work, as they keep promising"
There was a false alarm last week after after workmen were spotted at the neglected cinema site but the men were merely taking down scaffolding because of fears of people breaking into portakabins.
Empire said at the time: '' We can confirm no work has been taking place on site today. Empire Cinemas is currently still in the preparatory process and work will begin in due course.''
Today (19th January) we received another statement from Empire:
'' Empire Cinemas remains fully committed to delivering a new, world-class cinema to the residents of Ealing. Mobilisation is currently underway and work will commence on-site as soon as possible.''
There will be no further comment from the company until work begins.
Ealing Council's Scrutiny Committee is recommending the compulsory purchase of the site.
19th January 2012
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