Chris Bond, general manager of Scala Cinema, Prestatyn

Daily Post: Scala Trust ‘now more aware of what the community wants’

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19 Jan, 2015
Chris Bond, general manager of Scala Cinema, Prestatyn
Daily Post: Scala Trust ‘now more aware of what the community wants’

More than 100 people attended a meeting held in a last-ditch effort to save a crisis-hit cinema.

Chris Bond, general manager of Scala Cinema, Prestatyn

Chris Bond, general manager of Scala Cinema, Prestatyn, which could be forced to close (Credit: Daily Post Arwyn Roberts)

The meeting had been called to help try to secure the future of the Scala in Prestatyn, which closed nearly two weeks ago after months of uncertainty regarding its future.

The trust which ran the cinema says it is now more aware of what the community wants and is delighted with the support shown to the Scala.

Rhiannon Hughes from the Scala Trust said the campaign to save the cinema felt like starting all over again.

She said: “When we opened six years ago, it was an unknown, as the Scala was the first all-digital arts centre.”

“There was no template to work from, but now we have six years experience and are more aware of what the community wants.”

“Most of the activities which have developed at the Scala have been as a direct result of requests by the community. Since we opened, digital technology and the opportunities it provides have been transformed.”

The trust say a new community steering committee will be formed as a result of the meeting.

They are also appealing for people to sponsor seats in the theatre, with sponsorships leaflets available from shops on Prestatyn’s high street.

Vale of Clwyd AM Ann Jones, who attended Friday’s meeting, said:

“I am fully supportive of the campaign to see the Scala reopen. It has always been a fantastic arts venue for all the people of North Denbighshire to make use of.”

Ms Hughes said:

“I am delighted with the interest and support shown for the future of the Scala.”

“Trustees and Scala volunteers are all working hard to get the funding to reopen the venue. In the meantime, we welcome the opportunity for the community to get more involved and move the Scala forward.”

At the time of closing, Prestatyn’s Scala had outstanding debts of around £180,000.

Denbighshire County Council were owed around £140,000, with the remaining £40,000 owed to other creditors.

The Scala Trust say they took the decision to close the doors in early January in order to keep control of the building. They hope to be able to reopen the cinema and arts centre on a more stable financial footing.

Source: Daily Post Article 19.01.15 by Josh Morris