DEVELOPERS have held fresh talks with Selby’s council leaders about bringing the town its first cinema in 27 years as part of ambitious moves to create a new complex.

A representative from Planet Ice has spoken to Selby District Council to discuss plans for a new complex including an ice-rink near the town centre.

The Press understands it would be off Scott Road, between Abbey Leisure Centre and Selby Town Football Club’s ground.

Selby has never had an ice-rink and has been without a cinema since December 1982, when fire ripped through the Ritz in Scott Road, near the planned site of the new centre.

Council leader Mark Crane today said the talks had gone well, and the attractions could be up and running by summer 2010.

Coun Crane said the company had contracted a firm of architects to draw up blueprints, and it hoped to submit a planning application later this year.

“It would be really good news for the people of Selby,” said Coun Crane. “It would give young people something to do and give a lot of other people a leisure opportunity that has not been there before.

“Also, I hope it would draw people in from further away, to hopefully spend money in Selby.”

The latest talks were last Thursday, when Coun Crane, a senior council officer and the representative from Planet Ice held a conference call.

The Press first revealed last October that Planet Ice boss Mike Petrouis wanted to set up a new rink in the Selby area.

A number of sites have been explored and a series of meetings held.

Currently, the nearest rinks for Selby residents are in Doncaster and Hull.

Robin Bedford, sports development officer at the council, has said the ice rink could even pave the way for an ice-hockey team to form in the town.

Enthusiast Bill Sutton, who wrote a book on Selby’s cinemas, said yesterday: “I would think it has to be a good thing for the town.

“We have tried a couple of times in the past and, as a member of the public, it can only be a good thing.”