The Argus announces shattering news for Brightonians interested in our heritage and for cinema preservationists worldwide (August 26).

After years of struggle to save one of the finest of the Brighton “supercinemas” of the 1930s, The Astoria cinema in London Road is now threatened with demolition.

Most cinema fans realise it would be difficult and expensive to restore as a cinema – but not impossible. Many brilliant restorations have been successfully completed through the UK since the massacre of cinemas in the 1970s and we have one gem reflecting this in our beloved Duke of York’s Picturehouse.

The listing of the building in 2000 reflected the fact that much of the original interior as well as the landmark exterior survives (the astonishing interior was originally one the few French Deco designs in this country). The Astoria is also a landmark building which relates to the social history of London Road.

So why after saving the site is it now threatened? I am sure developers would happily build another multi-story office block on the site but Brighton is already well served with buildings of this type, whilst we have only one Astoria.

Please do not deprive the city of another opportunity to maintain its heritage. Some development within the basic building would work. The Savoy cinema in East Street has been beautifully restored at both of its entrances by adapting the interior.

Chris Fruin
Bedford Place, Brighton