Anger over plan to close pier cinema

A DECISION to temporarily shut a cinema has sparked anger in a seaside town.

More than a thousand people have signed a petition against the move which will affect the venue at Penarth pier pavilion.

The pavilion will close its cinema during the summer months and the rest of the venue will only be open for four days a week, in plans to protect the building’s “long-term future”.

The popular arts venue will be open from Thursdays to Sundays from March 6, but without its cinema.

Nicki Page, who is opposing the decision, said she was delighted with the level of support that had come out to protest the change in opening hours.

“I’m really pleased that this campaign is now in motion,” she said.

“We handed a petition to the management and held a protest on the pier.

“In just a few days of running around to get this level of support is incredible – but we need to be listened to.

“No councillor has listened to us, but now we have people power – so they’ll listen. This is a community asset and the community has spoken.”

The plans are designed to increase footfall and the longevity of the pavilion, says Penarth Arts and Craft – the company which manages the venue.

The pavilion underwent a £4m restoration in 2013 funded by lottery, Welsh Government and Vale of Glamorgan council cash.

Its building and the pier are still owned by the Vale of Glamorgan Council but are leased by Penarth Arts and Crafts Limited for the next 125 years.

The company says closing the cinema in the quieter months and limiting its opening hours will allow it to concentrate on a long-term plan to increase visitors.

It is understood that conferences will use the cinema space during the summer months. The rest of its facilities will still be available for community groups throughout the week.

Chairman of the pavilion Tom Hazell told the Penarth Times it is looking to provide a greater variety of activities.

He said that the current seven-day opening is “unsustainable”.

“We have collected a lot of information over the past three years and learnt some lessons,” he said.

“Incremental changes have been made and we are ready to put a more robust plan in place for the future.

“We want to see something going on in the building every day that it is open.

“It will take time and won’t happen overnight but change has been a constant and we have an obligation to keep improving.”