THE curtain has risen on a new feature at the site of a forgotten Bury picture house.

For now showing at the former Star cinema in Church Street is a motor cycle and scooter sales showroom.

It has been established in the upstairs section of the building by businessman Bill Mealey who bought the disused picture house in the 1990s.

And he is determined to preserve as much of the original building as possible to retain the historical link with the once busy cinema which closed in the 1950s.

Bill(48), has also discovered several souvenirs of the Star, including film billboards dating from the 1920s.

He has invested a total of £100,000 in the business since originally buying the building six years ago and launching a vehicle accident repair centre.

Now, Bill has diversified by setting up his new motor cycle and scooter sales centre.

"There is a resurgence in the popularity of bikes and scooters," he says, "especially among young people. And I also carry out motor cycle repairs." His new centre stocks a wide range of models and Bill has just been appointed regional dealer for KYMCO, one of the world's largest motor cycle and scooter manufacturers.

Bill's showroom is located on the first floor of the old cinema in what was the main auditorium, his office was the Star's projection room.

Remnants of the cinema's arched roof are still very much in evidence and will remain so. because of Bill's determination to preserve as much of the old Star as possible.

"The building itself measures around 6,000 sq ft. So, in its heyday, the Star was quite a large cinema," he says.

"When I was setting up the showroom, I pulled an old wall out and found some bygone cinema posters. It's really quite fascinating and a link with the past."

The businessman hopes that his decision to sell motor bikes and scooters will coincide with the fact they have rapidly risen in popularity in terms of a convenient and more cost effective mode of transport.

"I've got my own Triumph and have been riding motor bikes for more than 25 years," he added.

"As far as the showroom is concerned, I'm sure it will attract interest from young people and those who are older. Motor bikes are popular with all age groups."

Bill, who hails from Ireland, originally entered the motor trade as a qualified panelbeater and painter.

After coming to the UK 30 years ago, he worked for various dealerships in the Bolton and Bury areas before taking the decision to go it alone.

Now, thanks to his decision to open up a showroom in the old cinema, Bill hopes his new business will certainly be a blockbuster!