THE purchase of a well-loved company by venture capitalists is not always a cause for comfort.

But private equity group Terra Firma's takeover of both the UCI and the Odeon cinema chains could be good news for York.

The nearest UCI outlet is in Huddersfield. If Terra Firma wish to keep a presence in York - and with nearly 14,000 people signing our petition demanding the Odeon be saved they would be foolish not to - then the Blossom Street cinema must stay.

We hope the new owners make an early commitment to keep York's historic Odeon and invest in its future.

Updated: 10:04 Wednesday, September 01, 2004