BREAKING NEWS: Cinema protesters march through Littlehampton streets again

CRIES to save the town’s endangered cinema echoed out through the cold streets of Littlehampton as more than 100 protesters marched to hand-over a petition to the district council, this morning (Wednesday, February 6).
By Tom Cotterill
Published 6th Feb 2013, 12:25 BST

Campaigners battling to buy new digital projectors to replace the aging ones at the Windmill Entertainment Centre have taken their fight to the front door of Arun District Council’s headquarters.

The petition, set up by the Littlehampton Civic Society little more than two weeks ago, has seen almost 5,000 people across the area pledge their support.

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The form is urging Arun District Council, the authority in charge of leisure and tourism in the town, to set aside funds to provide modern projectors inside the Windmill in an effort to preserve the treasured facility.

Today saw the box full of signatures handed over to councillor Paul Dendle, Arun’s cabinet member for the environment, with responsibility for leisure and tourism.

Amazing support

Speaking to the Gazette hours before the march, chairman of the civic society, Angela Tester, said: “We had a total of 4,741 petition signatures which is incredible.

“We are amazed at the level of support but we’re also feeling so tired now as it has been a huge effort.”

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Mr Dendle welcomed the protesters outside the front entrance to the civic centre.

He thanked them for braving the chilly temperatures and said he would be taking the petitions to Arun’s next full council meeting, on February 20.

He also invited a number of campaigners into the centre to discuss their campaign, in further detail.

This is the second protest to hit Littlehampton in little more than three weeks.

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Today’s event saw marchers walk from the Windmill, down Pier Road, into Surrey Street and High Street, before heading south, along Beach Road stopping at the civic centre, in Maltravers Road.

Last month saw 300 people parade through the town in an effort to highlight mounting concerns about the Windmill and the Littlehampton Swimming and Sports Centre, which both faced drastic changes following a report by leisure consultants Colliers International.

Inspire Leisure, which currently operates both sites, announced earlier this year that the final film screening at the Windmill will be the Quartet, on Valentine’s Day (Thursday, February 14).

A decision about the leisure facilities is yet to be taken by Arun.

It will convene on February 20, to discuss the plan, before councillors give a final verdict during a meeting in March.

Related topics:Arun District Council