THE first stage of a feasibility study into the future of Clitheroe Civic Hall Cinema has been launched.

The Trinity Centre Development Trust wants to hear from residents interested in the future of the historic cinema. It is one of the last independent cinemas in East Lancashire and is threatened with closure due to falling attendances.

The little cinema, famed for its Tudor beams and special 'courting seats,' costs Ribble Valley Council £40,000 a year to run. But councillors gave it a 12-month reprieve earlier this year to allow an investigation into whether it could specialise and survive.

The trust, based at the Trinity Youth and Community Centre in Clitheroe, has formed a working group to look at the future of the venue.

The first stage of the feasibility study, to be completed by June, will seek the opinions of residents on possible uses for the venue.

The second stage will see the production of a detailed design submitted to the council study based on those ideas.

Spokesman Geoff Jackson, said: "We are particularly keen that the venue remains a community-based project. Provision of a cinema is considered an important central feature of any development, but other ideas include a theatre, workshop and meeting space, sound and recording studios, a community radio and an information point for young people."

Residents and community groups are also being invited to join special focus groups that will look at the various suggestions.

Further information from Geoff Jackson, Trinity Centre Development Trust, Wesleyan Row, Clitheroe, Lancashire, BB7 2JY (01200 427886).

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