Falmouth Multiplex Cinema, Cornwall Campaign
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News relating to Falmouth Cinema
DRILL HALL CONVERSION COULD START IN MAY 2008
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Carrick planners have accepted Merlin Cinemas' plan for a change of use of the former Drill Hall in Berkeley Vale (just off The Moor) after conservation officers' concerns had caused the project to be delayed. The hall is a Grade II listed building and the plans are subject to consultations. The building is greatly in need of repair with obvious signs of neglect but the appearance of the exterior will remain mainly unaltere after renovation. - GALLERY
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Hopefully Falmouth's much-needed cinema complex which has been designed with FIVE SCREENS, two bar / restaurant areas and a retail outlet will progress quickly. The main screen would seat 162 with others varying between 115 and 30. The plans can be viewed here (PA02/2182/07/B)
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A planning application was originally made on 24th October, 2007, by Roger Geddes Associates on behalf of Merlin Cinemas, to turn the old Drill Hall in Falmouth into a multi-screen cinema. The company who run cinemas across Devon and Cornwall are enthusiastic about the prospect of the new Falmouth venture.
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Speaking for Merlin, Mr Geoff Greaves said "We are excited about securing the Drill Hall and bringing a multi-screen cinema to Falmouth. The building is a tardis and I believe we can deliver a high quality cinema in the internal space whilst giving this historic building a new lease of life and purpose." He continued: "Falmouth is a great town and the Drill Hall a wonderful location, hopefully it will not be too long before local people have a wide choice of films available to them without the need to travel far." With regard to the schedule of the development he said: "Subject to approval of the plans we hope to start the conversion during May this year."
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The building has a considerable history dating back to 1870s. It was bought by L2 nightclub owner, Tim Vigus, in 2004, who planned to convert it into a £1.5 million live music venue and nightclub. Nearby residents formed a petition against the plans and Mr Vigus decided not to go through with the plans. Recently it has been used as a second-hand market.
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TERENCE O'ROURKE PLANS REVEALED - INCLUDING CINEMA
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The long-awaited "O'Rourke Report" - an expert plan on the development of Falmouth has been revealed and includes plans for a small cinema.
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The plans are for the whole of Falmouth and have been commissioned by South West of England Regional Development Agency (SWERDA), Cornwall County Council and Carrick District Council.
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The part relating to the cinema will, as thought, still be close to the originally planned building at Discovery Quay on land which is presently being used as a car park by the Maritime Museum. The development around the Watersports Centre would also include a "boutique hotel". Check out the website containing the information ... CLICK HERE then click on PROJECTS then REGENERATION then FALMOUTH AND PENRYN. Falmouthcinema.co.uk had lobbied for a cinema to be included in the plans.
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FALMOUTH CINEMA IN THE HANDS OF DEVELOPERS
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Back to the drawing board... that is the situation now that the maritime site has fallen through.
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There may still be options for the development of a cinema not too far from the maritime site. The cinema concept was proposed by New Cornwall Developments for the Discovery Quay development and will hopefully be included in future development proposals for that end of town. It is up to the general public not to let their local councillors forget that there is an overwhelming desire for this facility in the town.
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WTW Cinemas, a Cornish based cinema group operating in Truro, St. Austell, Wadebridge and Padstow are hoping to be the eventual operators of a Falmouth cinema. Director David Williams speaking to falmouthcinema.co.uk said: "he was disappointed at the number of false starts that the cinema project has had and had hoped to have a cinema up and running in Falmouth."
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New Cornwall Developments have now started Block A construction which includes apartments, shops, offices, pub and other leisure facilities. This development had originally included a cinema in its plans but was not approved by Carrick Council. One of the main objectors to that original development was Maritime Museum Cornwall!
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The November 2nd, 2005, edition of Falmouth Packet highlighted a cash crisis at the National Maritime Museum Cornwall. Built with millions of pounds of public money it is now fighting to recover from a serious financial mess with insolvency experts being consulted. It was only a last minute cash injection from the maritime museum at Greenwich that saved the Falmouth attraction from closing earlier this year.
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Visitor numbers were way down on forecast and the museum was losing money. Confidential documents were obtained by the Packet revealing that the cash crisis came to a head in December 2004, just two years after the £28m museum opened!
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The South West Regional Development Agency who own the former TA site car park have "gifted" the museum the bulk of the revenue from the car park for the next two years with hints of an extension. That information was not to be given to the general public! When the site is eventually developed the Packet has learned that the NMMC could benefit again by being given a building on the site.
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Jonathan Griffin, museum director, on the subject of Events Square, is quoted as saying: "It was originally based as a single development and frankly has been struggling," he said. "Personally, I think if the square had been opened in one go it might have worked, it might not. We have been struggling and we are the anchor project of this square." The sooner the square was finished the better.
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It is a bit rich of Mr Griffin to moan about the unfinished Events Square when he was one of the main objectors to the building of 'Block A' which included the cinema. That would have now been up and running! The question should be asked - why are the people running the Maritime Museum apparently so against a cinema as the original plans included an 800-seat multiplex.
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The Falmouth Packet should be congratulated for their investigations.
NO CINEMA FOR BLOCK D
The development of Block A at the Maritime Museum complex is now going ahead without the Block D (Cinema) tie-in. Councillors voted to allow the developers to start construction on the development that includes apartments, shops, offices, pub and other leisure facilities without the Cinema tie-in OR a bond which was earlier offered. (see news)
When asked about the position of the Block D development, Johathan Griffin, Director, National Maritime Museum Cornwall, told falmouthcinema.co.uk: "Although the museum have the Ponsharden boat storage area it does not mean that the Block D site would not be required as a nearby storage area for the museum and if the museum decides to relinquish its lease on the land it would have to be on terms that benefit the National Maritime Museum charity."
When it was suggested by falmouthcinema.co.uk that having a cinema in close proximity to the museum may well benefit the Museum Charity by drawing people to that end of town, he said: "That is only your perception!".
PLANNERS GIVE GO-AHEAD, Wednesday, 9th March
Carrick District Council Planning Committee have given the go-ahead for the 400-seater cinema complex in Block D of the Maritime Development.
The success of this application can be credited to New Cornwall Developments for their persistency and also the campaigners who have lobbied the Carrick planners and councillors.
The planners having regard to all the relevant material planning considerations, approved the application for the following reasons...
It is considered that the proposed cinema (VIEW PLANS) would not have an adverse impact upon the character or appearance of the area, adversely effect residential amenity or result in an unacceptable loss of potential boat storage facilities. It is considered that the proposal would be of economic benefit to Falmouth and provide a valuable community facility.
The conditions for approval include provision of affordable housing in Block A as part of the 14 apartments included in that development, financial contributions relating to education, ensure that purchasers of dwellings are made aware of a likely noise associated with the Events Square and to allow 18 long stay spaces in the Grove Place Extension Car Park. (VIEW SITE)
The development of Block A cannot begin until phasing proposals for the construction of a cinema on Block D (to include the co-commencement). The development of Blocks A and D shall thereafter be undertaken strictly in accordance with the approved phasing details. This is in order to secure a cinema in the interests of the acceptability of the proposals.
The developers still need to acquire the land for the cinema but negotiations for this are underway. Once that has been secured we will then learn of the timescale for the building work. Terry Barnes, speaking for the developers says there are still major obstacles that need to be addressed but all being well, Christmas opening could be achieved.
Supporters raised the following issues:
• Asset to the town and benefit to local businesses • Much needed • Injection of life
• Cinema is a much needed leisure facility which will benefit all. Falmouth residents should not have to travel elsewhere to a cinema. Benefit to tourism and the Maritime Museum.
• Lack of alternative sites. • Not detrimental impact on Falmouth Arts Centre
• Loss of short stay spaces no obstacle
The main concerns of objectors were:
• Noise and disturbance • Security • Litter • Loss of view
• Loss of parking • Nuisance during construction • Should be closer to centre of town
• Low frequency noise • Property prices
plan from the road

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the plan ;
Carrick Planning Officer in charge of the Maritime development:
Ian Lloyd, Carrick District Council, Development Services, Carrick House, Pydar Street, Truro, Cornwall TR1 1EB
the site

DEVELOPERS STRUGGLING TO ACQUIRE BLOCK D LAND
THE GENERAL consensus of opinion is that Falmouth Cinema will not be situated within the Maritime Development at Discovery Quay. Although planning permission for a 400-seater cinema has been granted for "Block D" by Carrick District Council the developers, New Cornwall Developments, have not yet been able to acquire the land.
It is more likely that the Maritime Museum will use the Block D area as part of their development programme. The museum had earmarked this area as a storage facility. There may still be options for inclusion of a cinema within future developments at that end of the town. It is likely to become clearer early in the New Year what the future holds for the development of a cinema.
New Cornwall Developments intend to start the Block A construction which includes apartments, shops, offices, pub and other leisure facilities early in the new year. This development had originally included a cinema in its plans but was not approved by Carrick Council. One of the main objectors to that original development was Maritime Museum Cornwall!
COUNCIL VOTE TO BREAK DEVELOPMENT TIE-IN WITH CINEMA
THE DEVELOPMENT of Block A at the Maritime Museum complex is now to go ahead without the Block D (Cinema) tie-in. Carrick Councillors voted at a full meeting of the council to allow the developers to start construction on the development that includes apartments, shops, offices, pub and other leisure facilities without the Cinema tie-in OR a bond which was earlier offered.
Despite the previous offer of the £100,000 bond to be forfeited if the project was not carried out, the Carrick planners refused permission because councillors did not believe the bond was likely to lead to the provision of a cinema. This went against the planning officer's recommendation and the concerns over possible cost implications in the event of an appeal. The application had went to planning referrals but was again refused, but this time on noise grounds.
Officers have consistently expressed concern that a refusal based on noise grounds would be difficult to substantiate at appeal and there were no material planning grounds to require the construction of a cinema. "While a cinema is desirable, it ought not necessarily be required of the applicants in relation to the development of Block A," said head of development services Karl Roberts.
The matter went to full council when members were told the offer of the bond had been withdrawn by the company. Councillors agreed to approve the scheme, subject to an agreement by the company to give financial contributions to education and opens space and the inclusion of four affordable units within the development.
Falmouth Town Mayor and member of the Carrick Planning Committee, Roger Bonney, said he was angry and disappointed with the decision. "We have done everything we possibly could and I feel we've worked really hard. The application now has been just so they can build the flats and not the cinema. It's a loss of honour and principle. If someone says they are prepared to build this thing they should be held to that responsibility. We say you should honour an agreement and do what's necessary," he said.
Terry Barnes of New Cornwall Developments, speaking to falmouthcinema.co.uk states that the receiver handling the Block D site is still "sorting out" the details of the land which has partly been allocated to the Maritime Museum for a storage unit. The construction of a cinema is still in the pipeline, says Mr Barnes.
Mr Barnes said he could understand why Mr Bonney is worried but we genuinely want to build it. "We have spent £50,000 getting planning permission and did not intend pulling out now, he added." He continued: "We are very serious about the cinema, we have got an operator and planning permission for the site ... we just need to get on the site."
A keen supporter of the cinema project has been Rev. Stephen Tudgey, the vicar of King Charles the Martyr Church, he says that "Whatever the outcome for the future, Falmouth is very much still in need of a cinema. On a wet day Truro's car parks were full and it would be good for residents of Falmouth to have a cinema." He continued: "One can only hope that the developer will honour pledges to build a cinema locally and this will be great for residents, tourists and students."
JULY COUNCIL MEETING MAY DECIDE CINEMA'S FATE!
The final decision on whether the construction of Block A in the maritime complex can go ahead will be made by Carrick District Council's full meeting next month.
With the planning committee voting against the commencement of Block A without a cinema (Block D) tie-in last month and going against the planning officer's recommendation the planning referrals committee was asked to reconsider, but maintained it should be thrown out.
Officers are concerned that as there are no material planning grounds to require the construction of the cinema, the applicant was likely to win any appeal which could result in Carrick having to pay substantial costs.
PLANNERS REJECT DEVELOPERS' £100,000 BOND ATTEMPT
Carrick District Council's planning committee, at a meeting on Wednesday, 25th May, have rejected New Cornwall Developments' application to relax their tie-in between Block A containing 14 Residential Units, together with shops, offices, a pub and restaurant and other leisure facilities and Block D which contains the cinema.
The decision will now go before the planning referrals committee on June 16 because members voted against the planning officer's recommendation.
NCD still have an appeal in place for an earlier planning application for Block A that did not include a cinema. This is due to be heard in September (coincidentally the same timescale as the likely outcome of NMMC's Business Plan). NCD had intended to withdraw that appeal had the £100,000 bond been accepted and the tie-in with Block D broken.
According to NCD secondary plans have been drawn up for a stand-alone cinema on an alternative site nearby. If this option was carried forward it is likely that it would be 2006 before plans were put forward.
DEVELOPERS ASK FOR RELAXATION IN TIE-IN BETWEEN BLOCKS A AND D
The developers of the cinema "New Cornwall Developments" are going back to the planners to ask for a relaxation in the tie-in between Block D containing the Cinema and Block A containing 14 Residential Units, together with A1, A3, B1 and D2 uses.
Terry Barnes, speaking for the Developers, has put the cause of this down to the Maritime Museum delaying a decision on the proposed Block D land because "the museum has a covenant on the land but do not have a Business Plan in place. This could add several months onto the discussions. When we approached the museum initially we understood there would be no problem in releasing the land."
Mr Barnes, speaking to falmouthcinema.co.uk said: "We are still positive about the cinema project and while seeking a relaxation in the tie-in with Block A are willing to put down a £100,000 Bond towards the cinema development.
"Secondary plans have been drawn up for a stand-alone cinema on an alternative site nearby should Block D become unviable.
New Cornwall Developments anticipate the application for relaxation to be discussed by Carrick District Council planning committee on Wednesday, 25th May.
PLANNING PERMISSION WAS GRANTED to New Cornwall Developments at a special meeting of Carrick Planners held on Wednesday night, 9th March, 2005.
Terry Barnes, speaking for the developers says: "There are still major obstacles that need to be addressed but all being well, Christmas opening could be achieved".
The land for Block D is in the hands of receivers and may take some weeks of negotiations for New Cornwall Developments to acquire.
Planning Officer Recommends Cinema Plans
COUNCILLORS TO VOTE ON CINEMA ON MARCH 9th
Ian Lloyd, the planning officer dealing with the current application has recommended the plans for conditional approval. There are a number of conditions, including all electric and telephone cables to be routed underground and that there is sufficient sound-proofing. See papers
The cinema proposals indicate that it would be finished in slate and timber, together with hardwood windows and doors. See NEW PLANS
There is also a second application for 14 flats to be built in Block A, some of which would be affordable homes. All flats would also be finished in materials in-keeping with the development. Concerns have been raised over noise, although most of the bedrooms would face away from Events Square. THE SITE
The impressive two-storey building would house a three-screen cinema (seating 200, 100, 100) and would be operated by WTW Cinemas who also run Plaza Cinema in Truro. See NEW PLANS
It would appear that the main body of objection would be from residents in Campbeltown Way, in the Port Pendennis complex. As there is already permission to build a storage shed on the site it is unlikely that the objection would be covering the visual aspect! It is believed that the objection would be to low-level noise. Noise consultants have been brought in to give their views on this.
The site has been approved by the Environment Agency. The Maritime Museum originally had plans to erect a storage shed on the land but it is no longer required by them and they are happy for the cinema to be sited there. Planning permission is currently being requested for alteration to parking arrangements at Grove Place Car Park to take into account the Block A apartments. We believe this will affect converting 18 parking bays from short stay to long stay.
The developers previous proposal for Block A is scheduled for appeal next September but if the new plans are given the go-ahead, that appeal will obviously be dropped.
A petition organised by teenagers Michael Moran and Robert Ayres, won the backing of well over 1,000 people who put their names to it, and fliers were drawn up by www.falmouthcinema.co.uk and left in various shops around the town. The campaign to secure a cinema for the town even won the support of the Rev. Stephen Tudgey, Rector of Falmouth Parish Church.
The company resubmitted new proposals for the site, but as the building had to be reduced in size, it was no longer possible to include the cinema. This prompted many residents who were desperate to see a cinema in the town to take positive action.
It now looks as though the campaign of public support may have had the desired effect. Terry Barnes, director of New Cornwall Developments, announced this week that plans for a cinema are back on the drawing board. (West Briton)
PUPILS SEIZE THE CHANCE TO GRILL KEY DECISION-MAKERS ON TOWN'S CINEMA
(West Briton, 24th February, 2005) ...
A GROUP OF PUPILS from St. Francis School in Falmouth spent an afternoon touring the site of the proposed cinema for a geography project. The field trip was organised by teacher Vanessa Farnell to help the nine and 10-year-olds improve their data collection techniques.
Their brief was to conduct research, through questionnaire's and data collection, in order to form an opinion on whether the cinema is a good thing for Falmouth on this site, next to the National Maritime Museum Cornwall.
The year five children were divided into groups to represent different interested parties, New Cornwall Developments (the applicants), the Maritime Museum, shops, public and the Environment Agency.
As part of the trip, the children interviewed museum director Jonathan Griffin, developer Terry Barnes, and various shop staff.

Right: Pupils from St Francis School interview Terry Barnes of New Cornwall Developments, developer of the proposed new cinema complex next to the National Maritime Museum Cornwall. Pictured with Mr Barnes are, from left, Natalie, Kiera, Josie and Lucy.
Picture by Geoff Hichens

Terry Barnes with pupils
Mrs Farnell said: "The children were very excited at the prospect of being involved in the decision making process of something that actually affects them and have worked very hard in school on their questionnaires and data collection techniques.
"They have been incredibly mature in their whole approach and have thrown themselves into their roles wholeheartedly.
"They relished the prospect of meeting some of the key figures involved in getting the background materials needed for their final decision.
Right: Museum director Jonathan Griffin gets a grilling from Year 5 students from St Francis School. Pictured with Mr Griffin are, from left, Shelby, Caitlin, Ollie, Corinne and Lucy
Picture by Geoff Hichens
Jonathan Griffin with pupils
Proposers of screen complex answer queries
CHILDREN GO INTO ACTION TO LEARN ABOUT CINEMA
(Falmouth Packet, 12th February, 2005) ...
LUCKY CHILDREN from a Falmouth primary school have had the chance to meet with local businessmen to discuss the proposal for a cinema in the town. A total of 28 pupils from year five at St Francis Church of England School visited Discovery Quay last Thursday, to interview the director of the National Maritime Museum Cornwall, Jonathan Griffin, and Terry Barnes from New Cornwall Developments (the company that submitted the plans for a three-screen cinema to be built on the Maritime site.
Class teacher Vanessa Farnell said: "They have been incredibly mature in their whole approach and have thrown themselves into their roles wholeheartedly." The children also met with businesses around the quay to discuss the affect a cinema could have on them, along with conducting car park surveys to see if they could cope with the expected additional demand.
The information they collected will now be used to conduct a mock planning debate over whether there should be a cinema at the site, with each of the pupils taking a specific role." Miss Farnell added: "Pupils are very excited at the prospect of being involved in the decision making process of something that actually affects them and have been working very hard in school on their questionnaires and data collection techniques."
She said that although the children were all in favour of the cinema, they would be trying to show empathy to the other viewpoints as well.
Mr Griffin said: "We're very happy to work with any school. It's rather fun doing something like this, which is rather different from the usual thing you do. I have no idea what they are going to ask, but I bet it will be challenging."
Mr Barnes, from the development company, said: "I think the questions they asked were quite relevant and we were able to answer them."

Right: MOVIE MAN: Terry Barnes, from New Cornwall Developments, is asked about his plans by pupils Jason, Kieran, Harry, Rowan, Sean and Toby.
Picture by Emma Goodfellow

Terry Barnes with pupils
Rejection of plans for land next to Events' Square brings angry response
DEVELOPERS TO APPEAL OVER REFUSAL OF SCHEME
New Cornwall Developments' revised application which did not include a cinema was thrown out by Carrick Planning Committee who voted 15 in favour and one abstention to refuse the plans because they felt the residential element could be detrimental to the use of the Events' Square. Incredibly, Planning Officer Kate Cooke had recommended conditional approval!
The new proposals included 14 residential apartments, a pub/restaurant, a second "high class: restaurant with a terrace, offices, shops and a large ground floor area which was likely to become a sports or leisure club.
Terry Barnes, a director of New Cornwall Developments, said the next day: "We are going to appeal, this is almost indefensible. Once we have the refusal notice in our hands, we will be going to appeal."
There were six letters of objection and two in support. At the planning meeting a letter was read out from the director of the National Maritime Museum Cornwall, Jonathan Griffin, who objected to the loss of the cinema and the inclusion of the residential element. Rev. Stephen Tudgey, Falmouth Parish Church, spoke of his concern over a possible conflict of interest between residential apartments and the Events' Square and said he also believed that a town the size of Falmouth needed a cinema.
Councillor Michael Varney said: "Last year the Classics Event brought complaints from people as far away as 1.5 miles. If you put a residential element in an area where they propose to have live bands and thousands of people, it would lead to complaints to environmental health department."
Developers blame planners for refusing original application
PLANS FOR FALMOUTH CINEMA DROPPED
New Cornwall Developments are disappointed and frustrated that they have now had to abandon the Falmouth Cinema project in favour of a new scheme which proposes a sports or health club be included instead.
The developers were forced to reconsider their plans for Block A adjacent to Events Square after Carrick's planning committee refused their original application in April, which included the cinema, a restaurant / bar, offices and residential accommodation above.
N.C.D. Director, Terry Barnes, said "It would have been a long shot because of the size of building needed. We did not think we would have a problem with the cinema, it was the size of the building in relation to the Maritime Museum that caused the problems. We are frustrated and disappointed as we know it would have been successful.
The company has now come up with a fresh scheme which shows a smaller block which it proposes will contain shops, a pub/restaurant, a high class restaurant with a terrace, offices and a large area on the ground floor which is designated as "assembly and leisure" use. It is anticipated that this could be a sports or leisure club.
The cinema has been dropped because the developers say that it could not physically fit it into the newly designed, smaller building. The news was not received well by the town councillors. Planning committee chairman Roger Bonney said: "It is a sad loss that we have no cinema. To stick up a monstrosity like that without a cinema is really bad. Mayor Maureen Davies added: "I do feel that we need a cinema in the town ... do we honestly need or want more luxury flats?"
The committee has recommended that Carrick refuse the new application claiming it is an over-development of the site and because of what councillors perceive as a lack of business interest.
CINEMA PETITION: TEENAGERS GAIN 1,000 SIGNATURES
(West Briton, May 20th, 2004) ...
Two teenagers from Falmouth who started a petition in support of a cinema for the town have already got nearly 1,000 signatures. Michael Moran and Robert Ayres, who are both 15, decided to set up the petition after Carrick District Council threw out proposals by New Cornwall Developments Ltd. last month.
The boys, both pupils at Falmouth Community School, said a cinema is a necessity in Falmouth and plan to hand over the petition to Carrick Council in the near future.
"Every weekend we end up going to Truro to go to the cinema as there is not much to do in Falmouth when it is raining," said Michael. Copies of the petition have been put in Boslowick Shop, Boslowick Post Office, Lizzie's Cafe, Cornish Store, Bar News and Rose's News, where anyone who wishes to add their name can do so.
Students at the school have also been approached and the boys also plan to take it to Penryn College. The petition states: There is nothing to do in Falmouth for the 13-18 age group."
"There has been a great response," said Michael, "We were not expecting it. If we can get the majority rather than minority in favour of this it would be great."
The plans for the cinema, which would be contained with a complex made up of a restaurant / bar, offices and residential apartments won the backing of the Town Council, but failed to satisfy Carrick's planning committee which refused them.

Right: Michael Moran and Robert Ayres with their petition for a Falmouth Cinema.
Picture by Colin Ross

Michael Moran and Robert Ayres
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