Almost 4,500 people have signed a petition demanding the Granville Theatre stays in the hands of the community.

Residents supporting a bid by Kent Film Foundation to transform the Ramsgate attraction into an arts centre are urging Thanet District Council to reconsider its decision over the plan.

Despite overwhelming support from the community, the authority turned down KFF's bid to take over the freehold of the theatre through a "community asset transfer".

Instead the council said it would prepare to put the building on the open market for sale.

Not-for-profit group KFF wants to transform the Granville Theatre into an arts centre called The Sandcastle boasting a new theatre space, two cinema screens and an organic restaurant.

They want to include a workshop space for youth film clubs in addition to a youth theatre and orchestra in partnership with Pie Factory music.

The scheme would be a 'green build' with a bee-friendly roof terrace.

The council's decision to reject the plan sparked fury and a petition was set up, with the number of signatures now reaching almost 4,500.

Some 50 people also attended a meeting this week called by county councillor Karen Constantine, where they agreed to back KFF's bid to ensure the Granville is run for the benefit of Ramsgate residents.

Among the attendees was John Walker, chair of the Ramsgate Society, who said they do not want to see an important local asset sold to the highest bidder.

"The Ramsgate Society recognises the Granville Theatre is listed as an Asset of Community Value because it has a significant role to play in the Ramsgate offering to both residents and visitors as a theatre and cinema space," he said.

"It should be brought back into use as soon as possible.

"The Society supports Kent Film’s Foundation’s bid and shares local affection for the building.

"We urge Thanet District Council to formally review the logic behind the rejection of the bid and to cooperate with KFF in delivering this much needed facility.

"We do not wish to see another important local community asset sold to the highest bidder. In the long term this simplistic approach to asset management does not provide best value for the local community."

Jan Dunn, filmmaker and founder of KFF, says they are thrilled to have received so much public support.

"We will do whatever it takes to try to secure the Granville as an ongoing cinema venue, that will still be open to the public," she said.

"We’ve been lucky enough to be able to use it over the years for our own children while they have been growing up.

"It’s been really valuable to have something like this right on the doorstep. We are passionate about fighting for its continuation."

Cllr Reece Pugh, deputy leader and cabinet member for economic development, thanked KFF for its submission.

But he added that following thorough evaluation, the bid was found not to meet the council’s required criteria as part of the Community Asset Transfer process.

"Although the submission was unsuccessful, the Kent Film Foundation has the option to submit their interest in the building via our Community Right to bid process, until Wednesday, April 20," he said.

"The Granville Theatre is owned by the council, and is currently vacant and surplus to our requirements.

"Our aim is to bring this building back into valuable use, and quite rightly, we have a duty to ensure that any community group looking to take on a public building can provide the full evidence required.

"This includes a full business case with confirmation of funds and the financial and skills capability to ensure that the project will succeed.

"These processes exist both to protect those looking to create a building for the future along with the associated maintenance and running costs.

"The council has a governance duty to ensure it achieves best value, both financial and social, for a public asset it would otherwise be looking to sell.

"Although this application has been unsuccessful, it’s really encouraging to see the positive local support for the project and for an asset that we all want to secure a positive future for."