A DECISION by Cineworld not to reopen its Runcorn cinema would be a ‘huge blow’ for the town, an MP has said.

Mike Amesbury, whose Weaver Vale constituency covers parts of East Runcorn, is urging the chain to find a compromise with the landlord of its Trident Retail Park cinema to ensure it can remain open.

He wrote to Cineworld recently asking why the cinema had yet to announce plans for reopening in Runcorn.

The company has since replied stating that the cinema's rent terms are currently 'unreasonable'.

“This is tragic news, not only for the staff employed there, but for the local community,” Mike said.

“Cinemas are a big draw for people who then spend their time in local eateries and nearby shops, so this is a huge blow to business in my constituency – just as they are looking to get back on their feet.

Runcorn and Widnes World:

Weaver Vale MP Mike Amesbury

“As the only cinema in this part of my constituency, it would be a huge loss to local families and film-lovers in general.

“I will be writing to the landlord and local leaders to see if there is any way we can all find some kind of compromise in light of the current situation.”

The World contacted Cineworld for clarification surrounding the reopening of its Trident Retail Park cinema.

In response, a spokesman for the cinema chain said: "Cineworld has not taken any decision to close Cineworld Runcorn.

"We are in conversations with the landlord regarding our current terms, which we feel are unreasonable, and are hoping to reopen once the matter has been resolved.

"But for the time-being, especially during this pandemic, we are unable to open the cinema and operate it at a profitable level.”