June 6, 2009 10:15

Rolling Stones' Mick Jagger in bid to save cinema

Band played at the Walthamstow venue in 1960s

Photo Gallery: The Rolling Stones

The Rolling Stones' Mick Jagger has backed a campaign to re-open the Walthamstow EMD cinema in London, where his band played in the 1960s.

The derelict venue was bought in 2003 by the Universal Church of the Kingdom of God, although planning permission to develop it has been refused, reports BBC News.

Now Jagger, who played at the venue in 1964 when it was known as the Granada, has voiced his support for a campaign to allow it to be opened again.

"Cinemas and live venues like the Granada where the Stones played in the early days, learning our craft on the way, are the lifeblood of our cultural history," he said.

"They helped launch British popular music on to a world stage and should continue to function as places of entertainment and enjoyment.

"It's heartbreaking to hear about such a beautiful, important historical building and centre of entertainment being lost to the local community. I fully support the campaign to keep it open and provide film, music and the arts for generations to come."

A Facebook group where supporters of the campaign can sign up to has been set up.