A campaign to bring a cinema back to Mitcham has been re-ignited after hundreds signed a petition at the weekend.

Plans are said to have been drawn up for a six screen cinema with four restaurants on the Sibthorpe Road Car Park site which is also one of four locations to be earmarked for a new health centre.

Two years ago Councillor Peter Walker started a campaign to bring a cinema back to Mitcham, identifying the Sibthorpe Road Car Park as a potential site.

Wimbledon Times:

Coun Walker, left, gets Mags Alexander to sign the petition

Coun Walker and his team already have about 250 signatures in support of the We Would Love a Cinema in Mitcham petition from the weekend.

He said talks with major cinema chains and Merton Council have been on-going for two years since he began the campaign in 2012 but planning company Citygrove has drawn up detailed plans for a six screen cinema and four restaurants for the site.

The plans could be submitted next year and would need approval from the council’s planning committee before work could begin.

Campaigners argue a cinema complex would help boost the Fair Green area which is being re-developed as part of the Rediscover Mitcham project.

Among the work already carried out are the preparation groundworks and the removal of the clock tower for restoration.

Major work is due to start in January.

Whilst the work is carried out next year the market stalls will move, some to Majestic Way and some to the London Road outside the King’s Arms, the council said.

Coun Walker said: "The £6.3m development of Fair Green will see an improvement of shopping and life in central Mitcham but a cinema would be the cherry on the cake and add hugely to the night time profile of Mitcham.

"I know local people agree with me and hundreds have already signed my petition."

To sign the petition, send your name and address to Coun Walker at peter@vistaevents.co.uk.