BUILDING on Ealing's new cinema could restart 'before the end of the year' according to the boss of Empire Cinemas which owns the site.

Ealing and Acton MP Angie Bray finally tracked down the head of the elusive company last Tuesday (June 7) after many emails asking for a meeting.

Empire's CEO Justin Ribbons told her he was very positive about the future of the cinema in Ealing Broadway which is currently a building site and an eyesore. It was demolished in Autumn 2008 after Empire was given planning permission in March of that year. But Mr Ribbons added it was essential the council sign off on minor changes to the plans before work can start.

Ms Bray, said: “The simple message I hope I got across was that it's ridiculous, as well as unacceptable, that Ealing, of all places, with its history of film, should still be without a cinema.

“It seems we may have to do a bit of banging of heads together – Empire and the council – but if that’s what it takes, then so be it. I have another meeting with Empire in September to chart progress, and I have made it as clear as I can that I really do expect there to have been some progress.”

Ealing Council leader Julian Bell said his officers have been nothing but helpful to Empire and dedicated to getting the development off the ground.

This included buying the old YMCA building in Bond Street, at a cost of £1.2 million to provide an alternative access point which could include shops.

Mr Bell said Empire should either buy the YMCA site, work in partnership with other interested developers or get out to allow other cinema companies to take over which are waiting in the wings.

He added: “I think Angie Bray is being naïve in believing Empire's lame excuses for not getting on with building the cinema. The council has bent over backwards to try to push Empire forward. They have been very, very difficult to communicate with. However we're continuing to work with them to make sure Ealing gets a cinema, it's outrageous that we don't have one.”

Empire Cinemas could not be contacted.