Filmgoers meet over doomed cinema

The Lounge says multiplexes have hit audience numbers

Film fans in Leeds are to voice their concerns at a public meeting following the closure of one of the oldest purpose-built cinemas in the country.

The owners of the 89-year-old Lounge Cinema in Headingley announced last month that the venue had closed in the face of competition from multiplexes.

Associated Tower Cinemas (ATC) said it was losing up to £100,000 a year.

The public meeting on Tuesday night will hear residents' fears that the site will become another bar or club.

Amenities 'vanish'

The meeting at Headingley Community Centre will be attended by residents, councillors and community groups who want to have a say in what should happen to the site.

Filmgoer Jacky wrote on the BBC Where I Live website: "This is an example of the degeneration allowed to happen in this area of Leeds.

"It doesn't seem to matter if the community collapses or historic landmarks and amenities vanish - as long as businesses make as much profit as possible."

Lifelong Headingley resident Fran added: "There has been no forewarning that it was about to happen.

"The Lounge has been made 'an offer it can't refuse'. I really do hope that it doesn't get turned into another bar."

Losing money

The closure has resulted in the redundancy of three full-time employees and some part-time staff.

In a statement, ATC said the closure was "a sad blow for the company and its employees".

A spokesman said: "The Lounge has been losing money for over five years.

"We simply cannot compete against the newer multiplex cinemas and what they have to offer.

"At this stage ATC has no alternative plans for the Lounge site and they are seeking an urgent meeting with planners and local councillors to discuss how it can be redeveloped."

The future of The Lounge's sister Cottage Road cinema in Headingley was being reviewed "as to its long-term viability".