Ipswich Film Theatre future secure after rejection of Labours decision to shut it

11.00.39am BST (GMT +0100) Mon 11th Jun 2007

The Corn Exchange and Film Theatre have a secure future with the Lib Dems

Ipswich Film Theatres future has been secured following the award of contract to a private operator.

Ipswich Borough Council decided to seek a partner to run the popular cinema after losses of £80,000 per annum continued on. Following a tender process the successful bidder has been chosen and we can expect the following benefits.

Refurbished cinema

There will be brand new seating in a refurbished cinema with a dedicated box office;

More showings

The cinema will open 7 days a week, crucially on Sunday, in order to give a better service and enable more films to be shown.

Growing audiences

A plan has been put together to develop audiences targeting all parts of the community through a more diverse programme, with an extension of foreign language films, first run films, Bollywood, kids clubs and senior citizen shows. 'Screenbabies' will continue to be offered.

Events

A Film Festival and foreign language events will be put on in order to raise the profile of the cinema and also grow audiences from the larger immigrant community in Ipswich.

And how much more is this costing th tax payer? Actually it's going to cost over £400,000 LESS over the 5 year contract.

There couldn't be a starker contrast with Labours bleak decision to shut the Corn Exchange and Film Theatre 3 years ago. A decision that led to their rejection at the ballot box.

So what is Labour reaction to the plans? They oppose them of course claiming they are the true friends of the Film Theatre. Their hypocrisy knows no bounds.