A motion to buy back the Regent Cinema in Deal has been deferred but not dismissed by the district council.

Labour ward councillor for Mill Hill Sid Pollitt put forward the motion that Dover District Council should apply for a compulsory purchase order for the seafront property and work with any future purchaser and the council’s partners to improve the building’s appearance. This was put forward at the full district council meeting last Wednesday .

It comes after continued criticism of developers Mark Digweed and James Wallace over the state of the building and the length of time it is taking to reopen the Regent.

Cllr Pollitt said: “The council, or the ruling party of the council, proposed we defer the motion.

“The issue is coming up for scrutiny at the council in September and then the motion will come back. It wasn’t voted down.” He is hopeful this will prompt some action.

However, Mr Digweed said it would not be in anyone’s interest to buy back the Regent as developers are now making headway with a revised scheme and continue to liaise with the district council.

Cllr Pollitt argues that despite being told the developers are “lovely chaps” this has not resulted in a cinema opening and hasn’t resulted in the building looking smarter.

The Mill Hill councillor branded the former cinema and bingo hall an eyesore.

Just last month the developers started remedial works on the building aiming to improve the art deco facade.

This included removing old paint and cleaning.

Mr Digweed said: “We are making headway with DDC on a revised scheme that takes into consideration the requirements of all interested parties following their valued input.

“As such it wouldn’t be in anyone’s interests for the council to purchase the premises particularly when they are party to the investment and progress we have made to date.

“I appreciate this may not be obvious to the general public but I can assure everyone that design work is ongoing as are consultations with DDC.”