London Mayor Ken Livingstone will be joining members of the McGuffin Film Society on Thursday, on the steps of Walthamstow's EMD Cinema to demonstrate support for the campaign to save and reopen the venue.

"We are delighted the Mayor is continuing to take an active interest in our campaign to save the cinema," said spokesman Bill Hodgson.

"We hope Mr Livingstone will also write to John Prescott to help secure a quick decision on the future of the EMD building".

A public inquiry to determine the future of the cinema was held in June and the Government's planning inspectors are due to submit their conclusions to the deputy prime minister by August 18.

Mr Prescott is expected to reach a final decision within ten weeks of that date.

The McGuffin Film Society is now urging supporters to write to Mr Prescott urging him to make his decision as early as possible to enable a swift resolution to the situation and prevent any further deterioration of the building.

Letters should be addressed to: John Prescott MP, Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, Eland House, Bressenden Place, SW1E 5DU.

Comments can also be left on the McGuffin website at www.mcguffin.info and these will be forwarded to Mr. Prescott's office.

If he decides that the EMD should remain as a cinema, the McGuffins say they have already lined up a number of potential bidders who are prepared to take control of the site and reopen the venue as a place of entertainment.