Great British Bake Off co-host Sue Perkins has led the calls to save a south London cinema amid fears it is facing bankruptcy.
Volunteers at Deptford Cinema say the venue is facing closure over a £12,297 unpaid bill owed to Lewisham Council.
More than 3,000 people have signed a petition calling for it to be spared after it emerged the cinema could shut as a result.
Among supporters is TV presenter Sue Perkins, who revealed her family ties meant the cinema had become “close to her heart”.
She posted a link to the petition on Twitter and wrote: “My dad's side of the family all came from round Lewisham so it's close to my heart. Help save Deptford Cinema xx”
The appeal was launched last month after details over a row with Lewisham Council over the debt became public.
It comes after claims numerous hardship applications submitted for financial support by the group were turned down by the council.
Volunteers said they requested to pay the debt in smaller amounts over a longer period but were refused, sparking fears the cinema would be closed down.
Plans to register the Deptford Cinema as a charity to receive an 80 per cent on business rates are expected to be finalised next month.
It is hoped the reduced payments could help secure its future.
A further boost was received last week when a deal was struck between volunteers met council officials to freeze the unpaid bill until a deal can be reached to restructure the existing debt.
Volunteer Franck Magennis, 27, said: “We have a breathing space but it is difficult to keep our heads above water.
“It seems like a massive burden on a group of community volunteers who are doing this out of love for the community and access to culture.”
Mr Magennis said the 40-seat cinema was opened in 2014 in an abandoned workshop in Deptford Broadway to tackle social isolation and people being priced out of London’s cultural offerings.
A Lewisham Council spokeswoman said: "A productive meeting between the council and representatives of the Deptford Cinema took place following the intervention by the Mayor, Sir Steve Bullock.
"No action is being taken by the council pending the outcome of the cinema's application for charitable status."
To view the petition visit here.
