Oswestry cinema plan by firm

Oswestry could soon have a new cinema in a move which those behind the project say would boost the economy and stem the flow of residents forced to travel to Shrewsbury and Wrexham to see the latest blockbusters.

Box-office films could be brought to the town ahead of the creation of a new cinema in the supermarket complex which will be built on the town's livestock market site.

New releases, a Saturday morning film club for youngsters and classic films for older people are on the cards under the ambitious plans of local film-screening company KinoKulture.

The firm has put a bid for funding to Shropshire Council's Market Town Revitalisation programme and say their plans could be up and running within a fortnight of getting the money.

The not-for-profit company has asked for £50,000 to buy digital equipment for the venture.

It is hoped the cinema would be based in the Attfield Theatre, but could also travel to other venues in the area.

Ian Garland, technical director at the company, said it could stop people travelling to Wrexham or Shrewsbury – the two nearest cinemas – and boost customer numbers for businesses and restaurants in Oswestry.

He said: "We are hoping to get the films out on the day of release. There will be no waiting for 12 or 16 weeks to show a film.

"We would love to do things such as midnight screens of Harry Potter. It would be fun to do that.

"The latest blockbusters could be shown here.

"It would also allow us to do alternative content like streaming things. Not that long ago Green Day had a concert that went out in cinemas and we are passionate to do things like that too.

"We want to make the Attfield Theatre a cultural destination but also take it out to surrounding areas of Oswestry. It is a no-brainer for the night time economy."

Peter Lloyd, from town campaign group OS21, said: "If this bid is successful it could retain people in the town. It is an excellent idea even if there is another cinema in the town."

By Chrissy Symmons