Battle to save Barry Theatre Royal goes on
11th March 2010
Members of the Save Our Cinema Association (SOCA) have met the leader of the Vale Council, Cllr Gordon Kemp, to underline the group’s determination to bring back big screen entertainment to the Theatre Royal. SOCA supporter Paul Sutton, said: “The Leader of the Vale Council told us that there was no new planning application on the Theatre Royal site, and said it would be nice for it to be a cinema again.
“He did point out that it was under private ownership, and that if planning applications were made they would have to be considered on their merits. It is frustrating for the group because the ball is in the owner’s court, but there never seems to be any movement.” Mr Sutton said he understood the council’s concern in the event of the building deteriorating, but emphasised:“There has been a strengthening in public support for our campaign recently.”
Last month SOCA announced it is considering two ways of making progress on the site. One is through an independent cinema operator, Mr Pat Scott of S & B Cinemas Ltd in Somerset taking over the site, the other is to start an appeal and buy the Theatre Royal themselves. Mr Sutton said: “The group wants a cinema for the community – but not only that, if Barry is to attract tourists it needs a cinema.”
The Vale Council offered no comment.
Source: “Barry Today”: “He did point out that it was under private ownership, and that if planning applications were made they would have to be considered on their merits. It is frustrating for the group because the ball is in the owner’s court, but there never seems to be any movement.” Mr Sutton said he understood the council’s concern in the event of the building deteriorating, but emphasised:“There has been a strengthening in public support for our campaign recently.”
Last month SOCA announced it is considering two ways of making progress on the site. One is through an independent cinema operator, Mr Pat Scott of S & B Cinemas Ltd in Somerset taking over the site, the other is to start an appeal and buy the Theatre Royal themselves. Mr Sutton said: “The group wants a cinema for the community – but not only that, if Barry is to attract tourists it needs a cinema.”
The Vale Council offered no comment.
Source: Barry Today
