Film director Mike Leigh backs fight to save former Telford cinema

The writer and director has written to campaigners who are fighting to bring the empty Clifton Cinema building in Wellington back to life as an arts centre.

Fiona Hunter, director of the board of the Clifton Group, said an email arrived "out of the blue" from Mr Leigh's personal assistant.

Earlier this year, Wellington Town Council agreed to help set up a working group to develop a business plan for the future of the former cinema and help the 500-member Clifton Community Arts Centre group try to buy the building. It is unknown how much money would be needed to buy the site from owners Dunelm.

The Clifton closed in 1989 and has stood empty for three years following the departure of the Dunelm furnishings shop to Telford's Forge Retail Park. Plans to turn the building, which once had 1,300 seats, into an arts venue have been gathering steam.

• For more information visit theclifton.org

She said Mr Leigh was interested in the project and supported the group's aims. She described Mr Leigh's interest as "incredible".

"He had received a Clifton postcard sent by we do not know who, maybe someone who has got a background in film but it made its way to his desk," she said.

"We received an email from his PA saying he was interested in the project and he had looked at the website and he would like to support us.

"They didn't give any specific reasons, but film-makers like Mike Leigh believe cinemas like this are important and give the opportunity to young film-makers to show their films.

"They want to encourage younger talent because without people being given a chance we would not have a film industry.

"We received it out of the blue. We were very pleased that somebody of his stature had bothered to take time to show an interest. For somebody who has an extremely busy life, and who lives in London and not Shropshire, to take that time is incredible."

She said the Clifton team was "very pleased" that Mr Leigh had endorsed the campaign.