CAMPAIGNERS and residents have expressed concern that after a brief flurry of activity, the owners of Thurrock's derelict State Cinema are once again failing to fulfil promises made to protect the building.

Last month Thurrock Nub News reported on a statement by Thurrock Council that pressure it had brought to bear had prompted the start of work on the site in the centre of Grays.

And some scaffolding and signs were erected around the Grade II* listed building which is described as almost in a terminal state of disrepair

But observers believe that's about all that has been done and there is no evidence of significant work starting to repair the building's roof, which includes a number of places where water enters the building including one large gap where it has fallen in.

A drone film taken on Sunday (2 February) by campaigner Chris Wright shows the holes remain on the roof and there is no apparent work going on to patch them.

A recent statement by S.A.V.E. Save Britain's Heritage, a major national heritage body, reflects those concerns, saying: "After continuing concern and discussions between the Council and Historic England, the Council announced it was prepared to take formal action against the owner.

"This has not yet proved necessary however as we understand that the owner has itself commenced works to carry out some repairs to secure the building and to make it weather tight. This is welcome news but far from a confirmed plan for comprehensive rescue.

"The essential works need to be completed promptly and, to prevent new problems arising and potential costs rising, a viable scheme is needed as soon as possible which makes the most of this exceptional and exciting building at the heart of Grays."

Supporters and campaigners have called for a statement on the works in hand and a deadline for competition from both the owner Naveed Ahmad of London Developments and Thurrock Council.