Loan offer over old cinema plans

A firm has shown an interest in refurbishing the Regal Cinema

A loan of up to £150,000 has been offered by a council to help restore an old cinema in a Worcestershire town.

Wychavon District Council said it had been approached by a firm interested in buying the Regal Cinema in Port Street, Evesham.

The company had shown an interest in buying it from Amberleaf Properties and refurbishing it, the council added.

A council spokesperson said it would support such a scheme in principle and the matter would be decided later.

Wychavon leader, Paul Middlebrough, said: "We are aware of the interest in the cinema and our offer of a loan would only be as part of a much larger development package.

"Clearly if this scheme is a viable one it is something we would wish to support in principle."

Making an offer of up to £150,000 as a loan to a potential purchaser was agreed at Wychavon's executive committee on Tuesday evening.

The board's recommendation of support will now go forward to full council in February.