Businessman told ‘Knutsford doesn’t have a civic cinema’ (From Knutsford Guardian)

Businessman told ‘Knutsford doesn’t have a civic cinema’

12:57pm Wednesday 17th March 2010

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CHESHIRE East Council has been left embarrassed after a businessman who expressed an interest in the Studio Cinema was told it was not in the borough.

The successful businessman, who owns six cinemas across the north of England, attempted to contact Cheshire East Council in an attempt to find out more information about the site.

He didn’t want to make his name known, as he was worried it could affect any bid if he was to make one.

He told the Guardian that he contacted the property services and asset management departments and that it wasn’t the best way to try and get a buyer for the site.

“Somebody told me that they weren’t sure if the cinema was in Cheshire East or Cheshire West.

“And then when I got through to a different department the person on the end of the phone said that there wasn’t even a cinema in Knutsford.”

A group has also been created on social networking site Facebook, with almost 900 members signed up to the group, entitled ‘Save Knutsford Cinema’.

Comments include one from Clara McKechnie, who said: “I love the cinema in Knutsford.

“You won’t find a cinema for better value anywhere.

“And there’s such nostalgia there for everyone who grew up as a child in Knutsford who went to the Civic Centre at the weekend.

And maybe like me had mint poppets every visit, save the cinema please.”

King Street resident Val Dawson has also called on someone to come forward and bid for the Studio.

In a letter to the Guardian she said: “I only hope that all the many film lovers out there will back me and somehow make sure that one of the town’s best assets is retained for the community.

“Is it safe to assume that Cheshire East will indeed make it a condition of sale?

“I have no intention of trekking off to one of those characterless multi-screen monstrosities.

“The Ritz Cinema in Belper, has had a similar rebirth and is flourishing.

“We have such talented designers, creative architects, IT technicians, film and media/marketing folk in our midst who, I’m sure, would freely give their advice and services.

“Rejuvenate and refresh the art deco interior add a cocktail bar and some decent coffee for pre and post showings.

“Maybe some gentle piano playing using local talent and, of course, we must have a lady walking the aisles selling ice-cream.”

No one from the council was available for comment on the cinema as the Guardian went to press.

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