Campaign to save Herne Bay cinema

DOZENS of supporters gathered on Saturday in a desperate attempt to save Herne Bay's only cinema.

A 40-strong crowd demonstrated outside the Kavanagh in William Street just days after it closed and made all 12 staff redundant.

The closure was announced less than three weeks after owner Reeltime Cinemas went into administration.

If a buyer is not found in time, the town could be without a picture house for the first time in almost 15 years.

Mother-of-four Cara Pitcher had worked at the cinema since it opened in 1995 and organised the show of support on Saturday.

She said: "We knew there were problems but we weren't expecting things to happen so soon.

"We were called in last Tuesday and told the bad news.

"We had to hand our keys in there and then and pulled all the posters down.

"It obviously came as a shock and things were quite emotional."

The 32-year-old, of South Road, also set-up a Facebook group called Keep a Cinema in Herne Bay, attracting almost 2,000 members in under a week.

She said: "To get so many members in such a short space of time is phenomenal. It just goes to show the support there is for a cinema in Herne Bay.

"I just hope someone can see the potential and takes it on.

"I would even work for nothing until a buyer was found if it meant keeping the cinema open."

Cara had only been back from maternity leave for two weeks when she found out the cinema was in administration.

She said: "We've had our house on the market for 18 months but it looks like we're going to have to take it off because we're not going to get the mortgage we wanted now."

Mum-of-two Tanya Baddiley, 23, of Clarence Street was another staff member left in limbo after the closure.

She said: "I was absolutely gutted when I found out.

"I'd been there almost five years and the job was absolutely perfect for me.

"I have two young boys and need to arrange work around looking after them.

"My eldest boy loved going to watch the kids' films and was really upset when I told him the cinema had closed."

Former manager Adrian Davis is hoping the administrators find a buyer soon.

He said: "I've been looking online and in the papers but there just aren't any jobs out there at the moment.

"I'm hoping another operator will take over the cinema and be looking for experienced staff."

Rumours have circulated that Canterbury City Council plans to move gym facilities from the Pier to the cinema.

But city spokesman Steve James dismissed it as speculation.

He said: "The cinema had to close because the premises licence expired and the administrators were late in renewing it.

"The council followed guidelines and its actions were dictated totally by law.

"There is no secret agenda with the cinema."

Administrator Mark Goldstein confirmed the council had not expressed an interest in the site.

He said: "The council is aware of the cinema's predicament but has made no approach to us whatsoever.

"Failing to renew the license was an oversight on our part. We have applied for a temporary events licence which should take about two weeks.

"If we get it then it would make sense to try and secure temporary jobs for old staff.

"In the meantime, we are still trying to sell the cinema as a going concern.

"We have had a lot of interest so fingers crossed we can move forward."

Facebook comments

Chloe Timms wrote: "I was gutted when I heard the news! I've been going to the cinema since it opened. I'm a wheelchair user and Herne Bay cinema was perfect because it meant I could easily go there myself instead of relying on public transport or my parents to take me somewhere else."

Sue Frost wrote: "Here we go again. Although I no longer live in the town, I can remember when the old cinema closed down, and was so glad when the new cinema opened. Come on Herne Bay.....get it together....for everyone!!!!"

Sharon McCormick wrote: "Don't even mention the fact Canterbury City Council agreed to spend a measly £25 MILLION on the Marlowe last night! On a fully-functioning theatre, WHY??? To gain 250 more seats!

What about Herne Bay?.. AAARGHH!"

Sadie Williams wrote: "Man, I can't quite believe it! We really need a cinema in the town. There are already so many things closing down in the Bay. Don't take away our entertainment too!"

Andy Driscoll wrote: "Keep it up - my kids are too young to travel to Vue (Westwood Cross) on their own. I need the Kavanagh to get them out of the house!"