In the Gazette’s new general election year feature, we ask the MP and the main contenders to give their views on a local hot topic... The State Cinema may become a pub, but what do our political hopefuls think should happen to it?

 

Jackie Doyle-Price, Conservative MP

THE State Cinema is a monument to failed civic leadership in Thurrock. It is an iconic building, it is much loved, yet it stands empty and in decay.

The council should buy it and turn it into a multi-purpose leisure venue.

There is a lot of space in the building that could be used for a variety of purposes. The Thameside Theatre simply isn’t big enough to attract touring productions of the kind that go to the Cliffs in Southend.

There is an opportunity to create the kind of evening entertainment venue that will bring people into Grays. By day it could be home to an indoor craft or antique market.

When the DC was abolished, the council inherited £60million of land, so the money is there.

 

Tim Aker, UKIP candidate

THE cinema has long been neglected and could be an asset to Grays.

I would favour it being used as a community hub for Grays where people can seek helpful advice and where police officers could also be based part-time to reassure people in the area.

It is just one derelict building in Thurrock, though.

Others, like Tilbury Power Station, lie in a similar state thanks to the others turning a blind eye.

I raised this issue recently in a speech in the European Parliament.

Our area has been forgotten about and these buildings are a legacy of that failure.

It’s time for change. Ukip is standing up for the ordinary working people in Thurrock.

 

Polly Billington, Labour candidate

THE State Cinema should be an asset for our town. It has a special place in many people’s hearts who recall when it was open and have campaigned hard to restore it.

Its design should give the High Street character, but after years of neglect it has become an eyesore. The State should still be for entertainment. That’s what it was built for. It could be a place for live music or comedy.

It could also have a cafe and restaurant to serve all residents.

The new college is a boost to Grays town centre and a refurbished State Cinema would make a big difference.

People would come to see music and comedy gigs, stay for food and enjoy themselves. We need action now – the State Cinema cannot continue to be left derelict.