Boycie backing campaign to reopen old cinema in Wellington
A campaign to buy and reopen an art deco cinema in Wellington is being backed by Only Fools and Horses star John Challis.
Mr Challis, who played Boycie in the classic comedy, has thrown his support behind the Save Clifton Cinema Campaign.
The group is trying to raise £1million to buy the boarded-up site in Bridge Street.
The actor, who lives in south Shropshire, said he wanted see the venue restored as an arts centre because of his memories of going to the cinema as a child.
Mr Challis said: "As a kid, nothing beat the thrill of the Saturday matinee at the local cinema. Let's revive The Clifton and re-live."
The project is being led by The Clifton Steering Group, a group of five which is working to re-open it for the community.
Fiona Hunter, spokeswoman for the group said: "The support from Mr Challis clearly indicates that the initiative is getting a lot of support and it's great that an actor like Mr Challis is getting behind the Clifton project and helping to spread the word."
The Clifton cinema was built in 1936 and closed in 1988.
It was also formerly a Dunelm store.
The campaign is hoping to revive the site into a community arts centre which will include the old cinema building, dance studios, performance spaces, café bar and exhibition areas.
The Friends of the Clifton will be meeting on August 31 to hear proposals, view the plans and meet with the Steering Group. The meeting will take place at noon in the Civic Centre in Wellington.
Anyone is welcome to attend.
