MP for Thurrock, Jackie Doyle-Price has called on Thurrock Council to invest in the State Cinema.
The Save the Thameside Theatre group had written to the MP to highlight their concerns over the future of the building.
In a reply that they have published on their Facebook page, Ms Doyle Price has said:
"I believe that the (Thurrock) Council should purchase the State Cinema and transform it into a multi-purpose arts and leisure venue.
"It is disgraceful that the council has not shown more leadership in re-invigorating Grays and developing the economy.
"Far more civic leadership is needed but at the moment it is sorely lacking.
The decision for the Thameside is for the council to make. The facility is very old now, has very high running costs and would need £500,000 investment just to keep it up to a reasonable standard.
It is also making a considerable loss each year. It cannot continue as it is at present.
