"Give Us Some Time!" say Headingley Community

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 8th Feb 2005

"Give us some time" is the request from people in Headingley to Chris Ure and Associated Tower Cinemas over the future of The Lounge Cinema in Headingley.

Following the public meeting on 1st February, at which Mr Ure revealed he had plans to redevelop the site into a "mixed use development", Cllr Greg Mulholland has written to the ATC boss asking him to put his plans on hold until the community has had the chance to consider its thoughts on what now happens to The Lounge.

As Cllr Mulholland explains, "Mr Ure closed the cinema because of the losses it was making, but now it is no longer operating, he is not making losses. So I would hope he can hold back before pressing with plans to develop or sell the site in order that the community gets the chance to have its say".

A sub group of the Central Headingley Strategy Group has now been formed to represent the community and ensure that whatever happens to The Lounge, that the community has its say. The CHSG is a sub committee of the Leeds North West Inner Area Committee that has been developing a strategy for a sustainable future for Headingley, and the closure of the Lounge is the first big challenge is has had to deal with since the group was formed. The Lounge sub group will consider any and all possible options for The Lounge and the site and has been tasked to ensure that any proposals are in the interests of the community

As Cllr Mulholland explains "Mr Ure indicated that the was prepared to consult with the community from now on, despite having closed the cinema without any warning. never mind consultation, so we hope he will keep to this."

Meanwhile Cllr Hamilton, who chaired the public meeting which was attended by over 200 people, has received a letter from Mr Ure outlining his plans for the site and justifying his decision to close The Lounge. Cllr Hamilton is however concerned that there is a tacit threat in Mr Ure's communication if he does not get his way to bulldoze and redevelop the site as the letter states says "In the unlikely event that the building remains in its existing format this will, I suspect, lead to the sale of the building to a less than desirable user."

Cllr Hamilton commented, "We will not be bullied buy Mr Ure and councillors and residents will fight any proposal that is not in the interests of the community. This time, the people Headingley will not be ignored."