An online petition, titled ‘Save The UK Film Council’ has attracted more than 14,000 signatures already.

The petition was set up in response to the Department of Culture, Media and Sport’s decision to close down the funding body – a move which actor Liam Neeson called ”deplorable”.

Currently at 14,523 signatures, the petition states: “We, the undersigned, believe the UK Film Council to be a vital cultural resource and call upon Jeremy Hunt to rescind his department’s decision to close it.”

Creator, John Underwood, said: “Since its creation the UK’s core film industry has increased its contribution to our economy by 50% to £4.3 billion, and directly provides jobs for almost 44,000 people.

“Attacking cultural spending in the face of economic hardship is short-sighted at the best of times, but unlike financial black holes such as the 2012 Olympics the UK Film Council represents an extremely wise investment by the last government.

“Every £1 invested by the UK Film Council generates £5 in box office revenues, and contributes to our reputation as a world leader in the field of contemporary cinema.”

The online campaign is further supported by a Facebook group called Save the UK Film Council which currently has almost 17,000 supporters.

The page’s description reads: “Join this group and pass on the message to show Mr Hunt that stripping away potential for our future film-makers is a huge mistake for one of the world’s most creative countries.”

Twitter members have also started a #saveUKFilmCouncil hashtag and are retweeting links to the petition and the Facebook group.

To sign the petition, go here save-the-uk-film-council