A PETITION has been launched to bring a cinema to Maldon.

Diane McCallum, of Milton Road, is on the hunt for signatures from residents who want to see a cinema return to the town.

The petition was originally started in 2015, but Diane has now revived her calls for a movie theatre in Maldon after seeing others reminisce about the old cinema.

The Embassy, was built in the town in 1936, but closed in 1982 and was demolished in 1985.

Diane’s petition has gathered more than 1,800 signatures.

She hopes its popularity will ensure councillors look favourably on planning applications which could include cinemas, if they understand there is a desire for the attraction in the town.

She said: “I started the petition in 2015. Someone posted about it on the Maldon Memories page and I thought I would reopen the petition.

“There is genuine interest in the outdoor cinema but these only work in the good weather.

“My idea was to approach Maldon District Council and if someone came along with a proposal for a cinema, if they saw there was interest they might look on it a bit more favourably.”

Mark Durham, leader of the council, said “I understand many residents would like to see a cinema in Maldon again.

“The council supports the Essex Outdoor cinema nights which have proven very popular and there is the excellent Rio Cinema in Burnham.

“We consider each application for a leisure development on its merit and in line with national legislation and local development plans.”

Visit change.org/p/maldon-district-council-cinema-for-maldon-essex-please.