The Oscar-winning scriptwriter of TV hit Downton Abbey has called for Croydon’s much-loved art house cinema to be reopened following its “meaningless” closure by the council.

Julian Fellowes is supporting a campaign to restore the David Lean cinema, which was removed from its home at Croydon Clocktower in April as part of a string of cuts to the arts in the borough.

The intimate venue has gained a reputation for showing top movies and classic re-releases since being launched 16 years ago.

In a letter to council chief executive Jon Rouse, the Tory peer questioned kicking the cinema out of the iconic Croydon Clocktower to save money when the building would still cost money to maintain.

He said: “I sit in the House of Lords as a Conservative peer and I am absolutely convinced by the need for cuts.

“However, it would be a real mistake to assume that the Government wishes to see any facilities that add to the public’s quality of life closed down where there is a feasible alternative.”

He added: “One of the main reasons cited for the withdrawal of the Council’s support was the costs of maintaining the building, but of course the closing of the cinema will have no effect on that. “There will still be a (very interesting) building that requires your maintenance. The only difference will be that one of its benefits to the community will have been withdrawn.

“In short, the continuation of your support for the cinema would be a very, very minor element in your budget, while its loss to the community, and especially pensioners, will be very great.

“I am only anxious lest, as I have said above, you have somehow gained the impression that the Government will be pleased to see facilities like this shut down when there is no fiscal need to close them. That is not so.”

The Save the David Lean Cinema campaign had also been backed by Croydon resident Ronnie Corbett, who described the decision to shut the cinema as “monstrous”.

Speaking at the final screening at the cinema, of David Lean movie Brief Encounter, Mr Corbett said: “We must start a campaign so that this darling place isn’t trashed. What a waste it is that it isn’t going to be further treasured.”

Campaigners have planned their next meeting upstairs at The Green Dragon pub in Croydon High Street from 7pm on June 22.