Letter: Cinema's final reel
I write concerning the disappointing story regarding the Clifton Cinema campaign in Wellington. It is very sad to see that the site has been sold to property developers, as the Clifton has great potential to create a much needed new independent cinema and arts venue for the whole area.
The volunteer Save the Clifton group has worked very hard to raise money and the profile of the project without any tangible support from the Telford & Wrekin Council, MPs or sponsors.
Interestingly, in March before the election there was a story in the Shropshire Star about how T&WC and Wellington Town Council were going to "fully support" the project with a small amount of matched funding and council expertise – what support did the councils give or did these promises evaporate after the election?
At the same time the T&WC put considerable resource into the Gower Street project in St Georges and the Anstice Hall in Madeley and Wellington seems to have received no support from the Community Pride scheme.
A sad story of hard working volunteers being failed by their elected representatives, which unfortunately leaves Wellington in a very poor state full of empty shops and no cultural facilities. A missed opportunity in my view as a local resident.
Peter Lee, Wellington
