A COMMUNITY scheme to turn one of East Lancashire's last independent cinemas into an arts centre could soon be back on track.

Councillors gave Trinity Community Partnership the go-ahead to run Clitheroe Civic Hall Cinema for three years at a meeting last month. But the partnership was left reeling when Preston Film Services proprietor John Williamson, who currently runs the venue, then offered to buy it.

Ribble Valley Council was set to close the cinema last year because of falling attendances, but gave it a stay of execution when Trinity Partnership came up with a rescue package.

The cinema was costing taxpayers £40,000 a year in subsidy, but the partnership proposed to turn it into a multi-arts centre with late-night opening, an annual arts festival, concerts, plays and a cafe bar. The scheme beat an offer by Preston Film Services to run the cinema with a reduction in subsidy.

Members of the Trinity Partnership, who had spent £5,000 on their bid, reacted angrily Now they have held crisis talks with the Ribble Valley Council to see if their scheme can be salvaged.

And spokesman Geoff Jackson said today it might be back on track, pending the outcome of a council meeting next month. "We stated our case and told the council what we thought of the latest development, but have decided to continue negotiating a lease and the operational details of running the venue.

"We won't be spending any more money on the scheme, until we know exactly where we stand, but want to get as much done as possible should the decision on the future of the cinema go our way at next month's meeting.

"We are still confident that we have the best case. It was a good meeting and there was a fair and frank exchange of views," he said.

The matter comes up before members of Ribble Valley Council's community committee on November 11.

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