A COUNCILLOR said he is “one step closer” to securing a cinema in Chard and he is asking residents to have their say on where they want it to be built.

Connor Payne, Conservative unitary councillor for Chard South, said he is working with Hugh and Beryl Scott, owners of S&B Cinemas, who run cinemas in Burnham-on-Sea, Minehead and Frome.

The councillor also said he has been working on the project since last year.

At the time, he added, no companies were interested due to Covid's impact on the industry.

He has, however, recently been in contact with the owners of S&B Cinemas to discuss the idea.

Cllr Payne said the cinema’s team of builders and architects are assessing various sites around Chard.

Residents are invited to contact him to have their say about the location of the new cinema and its name.

He said: “You asked me for a cinema, and I’m one step closer to securing one.

“Some of you may remember last year I wrote to several different cinema companies to request bringing back a place in our town to enjoy movies with friends and family.

“At the time, no companies were interested given the scale of how Covid impacted the industry.

“S&B Cinemas owners, Hugh and Beryl Scott, reached out to me and requested an urgent meeting.

“They employ 45 local people to run The Ritz in Burnham-On-Sea; the Avenue Cinema in Minehead; and the Westway Cinema in Frome.

“Now they’re working with me to start The Cinema, Chard.

“Their team of builders and architects are now assessing various sites around Chard, but they want your help.

“So, where would you like to see Chard’s new cinema being built? Can you think of a name?

“You can find out more on S&B Cinemas, here: https://sandbcinemas.co.uk “In the meantime, let me know your thoughts, and I’ll keep you posted on updates regarding this project.”

Residents have already shared some opinions on social media.

One comment read: “Mr and Mrs Scott really are stars - true lovers of film they want to give affordable access to all.”

Other residents suggested the Old Mill and the old Oscar Mayer building could be suitable sites for the cinema.