Kettering Residents Campaign to Save Town’s Sole Cinema

Advocates striving to preserve the final cinema in a Northamptonshire town have expressed concerns that its closure would render the locality “culturally bereft.” Over 1,300 individuals have endorsed a petition aimed at preventing the closure of the Odeon cinema in Kettering. Augur Group, the proprietor of the premises, stated that attendance figures had “dropped significantly” over the last five years, rendering the cinema “no longer viable,” and confirmed its closure early next year. Odeon issued an apology to its patrons and affirmed its commitment to supporting its employees in the upcoming months. David Meagher initiated the petition; he has attended nearly 700 films at the Odeon since the Covid lockdown, accompanied by his assistance dog, Sally. He commended the staff’s friendliness and described the cinema as “my only form of entertainment… otherwise I am stuck at home.” Mr. Meagher expressed his hope that sufficient public support would materialize for the preservation campaign. He remarked, “It doesn’t have to be an Odeon. It can be run by any chain or community interest company.” Paul Hanson, a fellow cinema enthusiast, commented: “Half the library is shut, the [Kettering Museum and] art gallery is shut at the moment… this is another cultural asset which we will lose if it goes. We’re in danger of being culturally bereft.” Charlotte, Mr. Hanson’s 11-year-old daughter, characterized the cinema as “a safe space for children and women to go in the evenings.” She further stated: “We don’t have many [cinemas] around here and everyone really loves it.” Oliver Thompson, a 32-year-old frequent attendee, remarked: “It means everything to me. Without it I’d be lost. “The disabled facilities are so important. The disabled spaces are at a good viewing point. If you go elsewhere the spaces are at the front so you’re constantly having to look up.” The cinema commenced operations in the 1990s, situated within the leisure park adjacent to the A14. Augur Group indicated that the cinema sector has encountered significant obstacles, such as the pandemic and the proliferation of streaming services. The company added that the difficulties in Kettering were “compounded by the opening of the Cineworld at Rushden Lakes.” Odeon confirmed its departure from the location in February, emphasizing that its primary concern was assisting employees impacted by the closure.