Reopen the Regent is the message from people in Deal who want to see the forgotten building turned back into a cinema.

They have set up a website which details the history of the sale of the building and planning applications for the site.

Since an application was withdrawn last year little has happened and now residents are campaigning for some progress.

The website says: “Deal desperately needs a cinema – and our beautiful seafront would benefit hugely from this building being restored to its former glory.

“We are a small group of concerned neighbours. We have no other agenda than making sure this building survives, and that Deal gets the cinema it deserves.”

At a Dover District Council meeting on Wednesday Cllr Pam Hawkins asked when it could expect the owners to submit plans.

Cllr Nicholas Kenton, portfolio holder for environment, waste and planning, said: “When a scheme has been developed a full planning application will follow.”

Cllr Hawkins said: “That’s very good news. My concern is though that this is something we have heard before and I was given a similar answer.

'My concern is though that this is something we have heard before and I was given a similar answer.' - Cllr Hawkins

“I would hope that if the application is not forthcoming fairly quickly we would consider serving a notice 215 on the owners which would have the effect of spurring them on or at the very least bring the building back so it is not such an eyesore.”

A section 215 notice would mean the owners would have to remedy the condition of the building or face a £1,000 fine.

Cllr Kenton said it would be difficult to enforce this when they were still working on an application. He said: “I have no doubt that they are quite sincere and will be submitting an application very soon.”

He expected this would happen in the next few months.

Find out more at www.reopentheregent.com.