Stars support cinema battle (From York Press)

Stars support cinema battle

7:25am Tuesday 1st August 2006 in News

CINEMA campaigners say they have not given up hope of another operator taking over the Odeon site in York when it closes later this month.

Tim Addyman, of Shipton-by-Beningbrough, has made a last ditch attempt to generate interest in the Blossom Street site enlisting the support of Antiques Roadshow presenter Eric Knowles and actress Maureen Lipman.

The pair, who have both presented architectural and heritage programmes, offered to publicise the plight of the picture house which will be closed by Odeon on August 31 after nearly 70 years.

The Press petition to keep open the site following a refurbishment was signed by more than 13,000 people.

Mr Addyman, who has also contacted the Save Britain's Heritage group, said: "Fair enough the cinema is going to close, but I'm of the optimistic view that it will only be temporary. We hope to get an enlightened new owner on board who will restore it to its former glory."

Mr Addyman is organising a "last hurrah" for the cinema's final performance as an Odeon. Those who attend are being asked to turn up dressed as their favourite film characters or in fashions from 1937, when it first opened.

City of York Council planners said the Grade II Listed building's current planning use was restricted to leisure pursuits suitable for large numbers of people.

Odeon has the leasehold on the building, which is owned by Norwich Union, and the companies are locked in negotiations to decide the best way forward.

Odeon campaigner Derek Atkins has vowed to watch performances throughout the cinema's last day, which will amount to more than ten hours.

"I see the cinema as an old friend who has got a terminal illness. I will be there until the very end," he said. "My friends said they would keep me supplied with coffee and sandwiches during the day. I'm very sad about the closure but I'm sure it could still be put back as a cinema.

"So far, the independent operators have said the site is just too big and needs a complete refurbishment, but we will keep fighting to the very end."