A 1,000-PLUS name petition urging the council to look at ways of reopening the David Lean Cinema has been presented to Croydon Council.

The 68-seat cinema in the Clocktower complex in Katharine Street was closed last April as part of the council's cost-cutting exercise.

Since June supporters of the cinema have been collecting petition signatures in a bid to get the council to think again.

The petition calls on the council "to engage with any constructive proposals that could make it possible to reopen the cinema in its existing location."

Adrian Winchester, chairman of the campaign to save the cinema, said: "When we started the petition in June it was impossible to anticipate the response, so we are delighted to attract so much support."

The campaigners received some good news earlier this month when Councillor Sara Bashford, cabinet member for culture and sport, told the Advertiser there would be a council-organised meeting in February at which it was hoped to attract interest from outside organisations to run the Clocktower, including the cinema, as an arts complex.

It is believed there is an interest from a group of people in doing just that who have presented the council with a business plan.

Mr Winchester said: "Croydon residents need some good news and we hope all those who determine the future of the Clocktower will take inspiration from the knowledge that the David Lean Cinema enhanced the lives of so many people."