ACCRINGTON'S Cinema could re-open before Christmas after several companies expressed an interest in taking over the beleaguered business, it has been revealed

Hyndburn Council leader Peter Britcliffe said Globe Enterprises -- in which the council owns a third of -- had been in discussions with some "serious players" and he was hopeful the silver screen could come to life again this side of the festive season.

The news came on the day Coun Britcliffe was to hold a meeting with the board of Globe Enterprises to discuss the situation -- and a day before a creditors' meeting in Cardiff tomorrow.

The cinema closed last week after operators GSX Leisure Ltd put the business into voluntary liquidation saying they couldn't afford the £150,000-a-year rent.

The company had debts of nearly £100,000, having bought Premiere Cinema's interest in the town venture before it opened last November as part of the £3.5million Viaduct development.

This week MP Greg Pope called for an investigation into how GSX had been forced to close the cinema and urged the council to take action.

Coun Britcliffe said: "Potentially the news is good and it's just a case of keeping our fingers crossed -- there are serious players involved.

"I remain very optimistic that the cinema will re-open, it's certainly not a white elephant.

"It has great potential and I would expect that the board of Globe Enterprises would be looking to ensure that an operator is put in who will manage it effectively and provide a sustainable future for the cinema.

"I would say we are hoping we will see a re-opening before Christmas but you never know how long these things drag on."

Creditors will meet liquidators in Cardiff tomorrow and liquidator Gary Stones confirmed Globe Enterprises was the biggest of up to 30 creditors.

Nigel Rix, a director with Globe Enterprises, declined to comment.

Management at Accrington Superbowl, which also operates on the Viaduct development, have spoken to assure their customers that it is business as usual.

Sally Jeffries, operations manager at the 20-lane facility, said: "We are keen for local residents to know that the Superbowl is open as usual. Local people seemed to have the impression that we are the same company because we shared the same building.

"I am confident this will not affect our business."