A CONSERVATION watchdog has given its wholehearted support to the Evening Press campaign to save York's Odeon.

York Civic Trust says the cinema in Blossom Street is both important to the social and cultural life of the city, and is also an important example of art deco architecture that should not be lost.

Its backing came as the campaign gathered momentum, with petition coupons pouring into the Press offices from readers worried about the potential loss of the city's last remaining traditional picturehouse.

Fears that the cinema might close have been growing since the owners revealed last autumn that they were assessing its economic viability.

Our petition calls for the Odeon, built in the 1930s, to continue as a cinema following a sensitive refurbishment.

Civic trust chairman Darrell Buttery has agreed to help collect signatures for the petition.

He said: "We would like to give our whole-hearted backing to the campaign."

He said the construction of new buildings in York in the 20th century had not been a great success story, but this was a notable exception to the rule.

"It's a fine example of art deco architecture, a classical example of that period, built with a great deal of care and with a high quality of brickwork."

He also claimed that any attempt to re-develop the building into flats, while maintaining the exterior, would produce a "soulless shell".

He said: "It might save the building, but would take the life out of it.

"It would no longer be a vital, vibrant part of the city."

Since it was launched last week, the campaign has also won backing from political, tourism and business leaders.

Updated: 12:34 Wednesday, January 21, 2004