 CHESTER MP Christine Russell is fighting to save the city's Odeon. A company specialising in nightclubs has bought Chester's beloved cinema - the only one remaining within the city walls. Brook Leisure has confirmed it has tied up a deal for the Northgate Street building, but the company says it has no plans to close the cinema in the short-term. Brook's purchase of the prime site has fuelled fears that the Odeon, a listed building, will be converted into another nightclub. City MP Christine Russell, former Chester Film Club chairwoman, has written to Rupert Gavin, chief executive of Odeon UCI Cinemas Ltd, seeking assurances about its future. Mr Gavin replied that the company anticipates the cinema will continue 'for the next couple of years'. Mrs Russell said the campaign was about preserving the popular cinema as well as a landmark listed building which forms a cultural gateway into Northgate Street. She said: 'We need a variety of leisure facilities in Chester and there are plenty of places to eat and drink and plenty of nightclubs. 'The Odeon is very popular because of its senior citizens movie showings at concessionary rates on Wednesday and Thursday mornings. 'I cannot believe Odeon is not making a profit, with the success of the Harry Potter films and other such blockbusters. 'Andy Farrall, the city council's strategic director, is known to be very concerned about the Odeon situation. He is also worried about any proposal to subdivide the building.' Mrs Russell said the Government had changed planning laws to ensure any such change of use would require full planning permission. If Brook was to go ahead with nightclub plans, objectors could lodge concerns to Chester City Council. Bill Murehead of Brook Operations said: 'We have no plans at this time to close the Odeon. We bought the site off the Odeon and have now leased it back to the company.' Chronicle comment It would be a tragedy if the much-loved Odeon cinema was allowed to close and be replaced by yet another nightclub. The city needs a greater choice of leisure activities in the evening - not more places to drink. The wonderful Art Deco Grade II listed building is a jewel in Chester's crown. Cinema audiences have grown in recent years and it is surely possible for the Odeon to continue showing films as part of a civilised city centre leisure offering. If you would like to leave a message of support, click on to our messageboard 'Odeon has positive impact on economy' > > > | 
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