Only the letters on the front of an art deco building could be preserved as new plans are due to be submitted to tear it down.

New plans to demolish the former Mecca Bingo building, High Street, Hornchurch, due to be submitted shortly by discount supermarket chain Lidl, will not preserve the facade of the building, Havering Council has confirmed.

Lidl, which owns the site, has proposed to knock down the building but keep the lettering “Towers”, which appear on the front of the 1930s former cinema.

Last month, the council’s regulatory service committee decided to defer a decision on the planning application to demolish the building and councillors urged Lidl to incorporate the front of the historic building into its vision for the site.

The new plans are expected to be presented to the council’s committee in September.

Meanwhile, campaigner to save the building Hayley Johnson has approached Everyman Cinema and asked them to consider purchasing the site in case Lidl’s plans were once again refused.

The cinema chain aims to give a different experience to cinema-goers creating cinema rooms with sofas and a bar.

Last week, the company announced its desire for expansion.

Ms Johnson said: “It’s a really different experience and caters for families, young professionals and older generations. This would be the perfect site for them. I’m really excited about it.”

Lidl and Everyman Cinema have been contacted for comment.