THE future of the York's Odeon cinema has been thrown into further doubt after its chief executive left the job - after only six months.

Tim Schoonmaker, the flamboyant media executive, is no longer the top man at Odeon Cinemas, the firm said today.

Terra Firma, the private equity group run by Guy Hands, which bought Odeon and UCI cinemas in August, is awaiting the outcome of an OFT inquiry into its two acquisitions.

The deals will give the group a 40 per cent share of the UK cinema market, and are expected to be subject to a full Competition Commission inquiry, which will run into 2005.

The lack of a decision on the future of York Odeon has been a major frustration to nearly 14,000 people, who signed our petition calling for it to remain open following a sensitive refurbishment.

Ordinary people and stars backed our campaign to revive the Blossom Street cinema, which also received backing from prestigious groups.

The Evening Press took its petition to Odeon's headquarters, in Leicester Square, London, but none of the company chiefs were initially willing to meet a delegation, headed by York MP Hugh Bayley, to take the documents.

The campaign was started after the cinema chain confirmed it was assessing the "economic viability" of the York venue. A decision has still not yet been taken.

The petition, which comprised an incredible 13,600 signatures, was one of the largest ever gathered by the Evening Press.

Mr Schoonmaker was never available for an interview to discuss the cinema's future - despite repeated requests.

An Odeon spokeswoman confirmed Mr Schoonmaker had left the company but said he had no comment to make.

Odeon expert Derek Atkins said: "This will be a bitter blow again for Odeon and will cause concern for the company that all is not well.

"Odeon is in a deep depression and needs a good executive to keep it all together."

Updated: 10:05 Friday, October 08, 2004