The fight to save Twickenham Film Studios has won the backing of Sir Paul McCartney, Steven Spielberg and Colin Firth.

The Save Twickenham Studios petition, created by Maria Walker, has reached 3,769 signatures, with some very famous names.

Sir Paul said: “I have many fond memories of working at Twickenham Studios, having worked on Beatles films there. It’s a fine example of a British film studio and it would be a great loss if it were to have nothing more to do with the British film industry.”

Julie Walters has also joined the campaign and wrote to Twickenham MP Vince Cable appealing for his help.

In an email to Dr Cable, seen by the Richmond and Twickenham Times, Walters said: “I am writing to ask for your support in stopping the proposed redevelopment of Twickenham Film Studios.

“The closing down of these studios will give Hollywood one message that the British film industry is struggling, when it is not.”

Dr Cable has taken these concerns to culture secretary Jeremy Hunt, although he previously said the government would not be able to intervene.

On Friday, March 16, people rallied for a peaceful demonstration outside the studios, in the hope of saving their own little “piece of Hollywood”.

They were joined by actor Nick Farrell, his wife, actress Stella Gonet, and BBC London.

London MEP Mary Honeyball also joined friendly protesters on Friday, after sending a question to the European Commission asking: “What can the commission do to help studios like Twickenham so that we can continue to make great films in Europe?”

She said: “Twickenham Studios is a historically important site, alongside Ealing and Shepperton Studios. It supported our impressive film industry in the UK which the current government has done little to support evidenced in its disbanding of the cut the UK Film Council. We must show greater support to this industry, which actually creates jobs and brings in revenue.

“The commission are obliged to look into and provide a response to any question an MEP asks, so raising the issue with them (at a European level) emphasises the importance we should place on the cultural infrastructure in the UK. It also indicates to the commission that the UK government is not supporting the industry as it should be doing.”