Petition to Prevent Cinema Closure Exceeds 2,000 Signatures

A petition seeking to prevent the closure of a town’s sole cinema has accumulated over 2,000 signatures. This campaign, initiated in November by local residents and film enthusiasts, objects to the potential demolition of the Odeon cinema. Augur Group, the owner of the building, has cited a “significant drop” in attendance over the past five years as the reason for the decision, stating that the venue is “no longer viable.” The cinema’s closure is slated for early next year. David Meagher, the individual who initiated the petition, expressed his sentiments, stating: “I am very nervous and terribly sad.” He further explained that the community’s strong feelings about the potential demolition stem from it being “Kettering’s only cinema, and because it seems that this is just the latest potential loss in a long line of Kettering losses.” Situated on the leisure park close to the A14, the cinema commenced operations in the 1990s. Nevertheless, Augur Group, its owner, pointed to substantial challenges confronting the cinema industry, such as the effects of the pandemic and the proliferation of streaming services. The group also indicated that competition from the Cineworld located at Rushden Lakes had “compounded” the difficulties experienced in Kettering. Mr. Meagher additionally commented: “It’s counter intuitive to pull down facilities required by those living in Kettering housing, to build Kettering housing.” He continued, “There are no vacancies for joining surgeries of doctors, & dentists, there’s now no bingo hall, no pool hall, no M&S shop, they’ve just announced the closure of Kettering’s Post Office.” He also pointed out that it is “the only cinema in Northamptonshire that caterers for the disabled properly with the wheelchair spaces at the middle or the back of the auditorium.” Furthermore, he mentioned, “This cinema also caters for pensioners, new mothers, the autistic, the deaf, girl guides and scouts.” In August, Rosie Wrighting, the Labour MP for Kettering, expressed that she was “extremely concerned” regarding the announcement. Odeon stated its intention to vacate the premises by February 2025, with its current priority being to support employees impacted by the closure. The proposed demolition plans also encompass Hobson’s Choice, a pub situated nearby.