TWO years after York's Odeon cinema was first threatened with closure, bosses revealed today they still haven't decided its future.

More than 13,000 Evening Press readers signed a petition calling for the picture house to remain open following a revamp.

But Odeon's owners say they are still "assessing its economic viability".

Campaigners have reacted angrily to the news, as this is exactly what they said almost two years ago to the day.

It is believed the delay in a decision has been caused by the Odeon chain's takeover by Terra Firma, and subsequent merger with UCI Cinemas.

Odeon expert Derek Atkins, who is one of the leading campaigners to save the cinema, said the Office Of Fair Trading had demanded the owners sell off some of their picture houses, in order to comply with the monopoly rules.

It is not believed the York Odeon is on the company's initial closure list, which comprises about a dozen cinemas.

"I can't understand why the company are dallying," Mr Atkins said.

"I've no doubt that had it not been for the Evening Press campaign, the York Odeon would already have closed. We should be

grateful.

"It is a treasured gem, and now has the biggest auditorium in North Yorkshire.

"It should be looked after for future generations."

Leading Odeon

campaigner Gary Haq, 36, who lives off Heslington Road, said the cinema still had a big future.

"It has been really busy the last few times I've been in," he said.

"If they did it up, they would get a lot more

people in. It has great potential."

York MP Hugh Bayley said: "The Odeon is a very important facility and a very important building

in the middle of York, which must continue as a cinema.

"It's good news that the Odeon is still there, but I hope they bring forward modernisation plans soon to secure its future for many years to come.

"Like everybody else, I'd like the uncertainty of its future to go."

Mr Bayley urged City of York Council to look favourably on future revamp proposals put

forward by Odeon bosses.

"I'm sure they understand the importance of keeping a traditional cinema in the city centre," he added.

An Odeon spokeswoman said: "Odeon cinemas can confirm that its cinema on Blossom Street, York, is still being assessed for its economic viability.

"Management will continue to keep staff informed of any developments, should

they occur."

Updated: 10:07 Saturday, November 26, 2005