CAMPAIGNERS hope potential investors will be bowled over by their proposals for a derelict cinema.

A group of residents, led by Eltham MP Clive Efford, want to see the borough's first bowling alley built on the site of the Coronet Cinema, Eltham.

But Labour MP Mr Efford admits he needs the backing from the business community before he can put his plan to the cinema owners.

The cinema, in Well Hall Road, has declined into a state of disrepair since it closed seven years ago.

The Cathedral Group, which owns the Grade II Listed building, wants to build flats and office space on the site as part of a £5m revamp.

But Mr Efford is unhappy with the plans and would like to see a "community facility" put in place for residents.

He feels a bowling alley is ideal because there are currently none in the Greenwich borough.

However, he says such a development will need financial backing.

He said: "I have always maintained there should be some sort of amenity for younger people at the site.

"If there is someone out there who could come to us with a plan for a bowling alley or even an ice rink I would be very keen to talk to them."

The nearest bowling alleys for Greenwich residents are currently in Lewisham and Bexleyheath.

Chairman of the Page Estate Residents' Association Phil Russell supports the idea of bringing bowling facilities closer to home.

He said: "I want to see something which the whole community can use.

"A bowling alley would give the kids something to do and would also be a good place for families to visit."

Mr Russell is now set to organise a petition to garner more support for the idea.

Cathedral's current plans for the Coronet are due to be the subject of a public inquiry later this year.