Council in threat to 'consider action' against State cinema's latest owners

By Nub News Reporter 5th Dec 2023

THURROCK Council, which repeatedly failed to carry through on its responsibility to protect Grays' dilapidated State Theatre through years of ownership by the JD Wetherspoon pub chain, has flexed its muscles and warned the building's new owners it is 'considering action'.

The local authority has been the butt of much criticism for failing to act to protect the building as it fell into decay, with gaping holes appearing in the roof.

The damp environment has caused the virtual destruction of some of the art-deco features inside the Grade II*-listed building while other areas are rotten and mouldy because of the water.

The council is the lawful authority responsible for the protection of the building and has a range of measures at its disposal including carrying out the work and charging the owners and issuing enforcement notices which could lead to court action, potentially huge fines and even jail.

In real terms it has done very little and abdicated its responsibility and it continues to refuse to explain why it has stood by over two decades and has not enforced its lawful powers.

However, in response to the latest questions from Thurrock Nub News, asking what is happening, the council says: "The Council and Historic England have been working with the new owners and holding regular meetings.

"Pre-application plans and a planning statement are expected soon.

"The owners have been advised that if the building is not made watertight soon, enforcement action will be considered.

"They have told us they are seeking quotes for repairs to the roof.''

The State site was initially bought from Wetherspoon by an unnamed bidder at auction in February, then sold on in the summer.