AS one of the most prominent people involved in the Save The Odeon campaign, I would like to publicly thank all those who signed the Evening Press petition.

Many people have contacted me saying how sorry they were to hear of the York Odeon's impending closure. Many people have fond memories of the Blossom Street cinema. Its closure will be like losing a personal friend.

All those involved with the campaign gave their full commitment.

I only hope City of York Council will do everything possible to preserve the listed building, along with its internal art-deco fittings (both visible and those hidden by false ceilings etc). I would hate to see the building boarded up and become a derelict eyesore.

The Odeon company gave local competition as the main reason for the closure. In truth, the fact that a solution to the issue regarding the York Odeon signage was never resolved was the chief sticking point.

The company has always seen the many listed buildings it inherited as burdens rather than as assets. Many landmark buildings have been closed by Odeon with what I believe to be flimsy and, in some cases, downright untruthful reasons given.

Odeon's bosses should realise it is their cinemas that make the money that they spend. If the owners continue to close cinemas such as the Odeons at Bradford, Leeds, Middlesbrough and now York, soon there will not be enough left to make any money from.

York MP Hugh Bayley says he would like to see an independent operator rescue the Odeon building. However, while under its viability review, the Blossom Street cinema was offered by Odeon to other operators. Sadly, none were interested.

If any had been, they would probably still have wanted the old signage removed.

Derek Atkins,

Public relations,

Mercia Cinema Society,

Mount Vale, York.

Updated: 09:20 Wednesday, April 05, 2006