At a packed public meeting organised by the Crystal Palace Campaign (CPC) in Dulwich last week, more than 1,000 residents were told by one candidate after another that they were against the multiplex proposal. Ken Livingstone (Independent) pledged that with the help of Green candidate Darren Johnson, he would "go through every clause and dot and comma in the legislation. If we can find a way to stop it, we will stop it."

Frank Dobson's running mate Trevor Phillips (Labour) said he would tell developers London and Regional to "rethink their ideas", while Conservative hopeful Steve Norris wrote saying he shared the campaign's concerns about the top site.

Both Susan Kramer (Lib Dem) and Ram Gidoomal (Christian People's Alliance) sent statements saying they were opposed to the idea.

Jubilant CPC spokesman Suzanne Elkin said: "If this doesn't worry the developers I don't know what will."

The beginning of the month saw the High Court throw out a legal challenge by single mum Diane Barker, who challenged Bromley Council's decision to grant the scheme planning permission.

In a hearing, Lord Justice Jackson refused Miss Barker leave to appeal. If she wishes to proceed with the legal action, she must apply to the Court of Appeal.

Her solicitor Susan Ring said: "We've got to decide one way or another, and will make a decision in a week or so."

The case costs - in the region of £70,000 - will be split between Miss Barker, who is legally aided, Bromley Council and developer London & Regional.