THE report by Rosemary Curtis regarding York's Odeon Cinema was interesting (September 27).

As a cinema historian, I feel that while it would be sad to see the disappearance of the building's unique signage, this is not the first such alteration there.

Two original signs either side of the tower were removed many years ago. When the cinema was converted into three screens, many interior features were obscured. The present canopy is not the first.

Things could be worse as many of York's cinema buildings have been demolished. Fortunately, the Odeon became Listed, Grade II, more than 20 years ago. The continuation of the building itself is the most important issue.

At least the company is prepared to invest money in the Blossom Street Odeon's future. Even with the owners' intended 2003 rebranding, the cinema will remain as a building of classic 1930s Odeon style.

Derek Atkins,

Public relations officer,

Mercia cinema society,

Mount Vale, York.

...Thanks must go to those city councillors who have rejected plans to remove the historic facade signage at the Blossom Street Odeon. York residents have the privilege of having on their doorstep a unique monument to the 1930s heyday of cinema-going.

The sign, now the only one in existence after Chester's was lost in a similar controversial re-branding, is one of the main features of the facade.

You only have to look at Chester's Odeon to see that removal would totally alter the appearance of the upper facade, while the "cheap and tacky" out-of-town shopping-style lettering would sit ill at ease with the original structure.

The York sign is tatty and non-functioning, but only through lack of maintenance. With restoration it could once again have its neon letters glowing.

I am aware these are commercial businesses and not museums, but the owners do not seem to see that their Art Deco circuit is an asset. Instead they feel burdened with a number of listed buildings, which they threaten to close if plans don't go their way.

It is hoped that Odeon "sees the light" and does not carry out this threat, which would see the last of York's original cinemas close.

Tim Addyman,

East Lane,

Shipton By Beningbrough, York.

Updated: 10:22 Friday, October 10, 2003