
FROME Cinema may have closed last month but there are high hopes that the popular attraction still has a bright future.
The cinema in the Westway precinct has been closed since Friday 25th March after going into liquidation.
But the landlords, Maybrook Properties Ltd, said they are optimistic that the cinema still has a bright future in Frome and that new operators can be found.
Martin Stenson from Maybrook Properties told Frome Times, “We’re obviously sad to hear that the cinema has gone into liquidation as we know what it means to the people of Frome and the role it plays in the town. We will be making every effort to see that it continues. We’ve already had a number of enquiries from interested parties including ones from existing cinema operators. We’re certainly very encouraged by the amount of interest.
“It’s a popular attraction and we think it will be an attractive proposition in a thriving town like Frome.
“As landlords, before we can do anything we need to have control of the lease which is currently in the hands of the liquidators. But we are optimistic that an acceptable way forward can be found and that the cinema has a successful future for many, many years.”
For the past five years, the cinema has been run by Martina O’Connor, and her husband, Mark Lifely. Martina, winner of the Frome Times Person of the Year vote in 2014, took over from her parents, Dennis and Dolores O’Connor, who had run the cinema for more than 20 years.
Alexandra Slade, who worked at the cinema until it closed told Frome Times, “The cinema was such a gem and I loved working there for the short time that I did, looking after the front of house for Martina whilst she took time out due to illness.
“We can only hope that someone can take it over and refurbish the place whilst maintaining its integrity, uniqueness, and the charm that Martina had created. It would be sad to see it disappear altogether and I’m sure everyone in town feels the same way.
“This may be a time for the people of Frome to rally round and come up with ideas to help it survive. Independent cinemas are a dying breed, but it would be in keeping with the spirit of Frome to try and hang on to ours.”