OKEHAMPTON'S Carlton Cinema will not be sold at auction next Wednesday — following a deal struck a week before the art deco building was due to go under the hammer.

The auction, due to be held by estate agents Kivells in the cinema auditorium, had been eagerly awaited by concerned residents. A number of local people had formed a group dedicated to making sure Okehampton retains some type of film facility.

The group is due to hold an open meeting to discuss the future for cinema in Okehampton tomorrow (Friday), chaired by the Rev Philip Wagstaff.

Mr Wagstaff said if the premises had been bought by someone interested in running the cinema as a going concern the group is keen to volunteer to offer what help it could. While if the site had been secured by a developer for housing or another type of entertainment venue, the group would then investigate alternative locations in the town for showing films.

Rupert Noy-Scott, associate partner of Kivells' Tavistock office, which was handling the property, said a deal had been struck to sell the property prior to the auction.

Kivells confirmed the amount was in excess of the guide price of £200,000, but was unable to disclose who had purchased the site, or any intentions for future use.

Mr Noy Scott said there had been a 'very high level of interest' in the property since it was advertised last month.

He said there had been a number of 'very strong offers' made prior to the auction before a final deal was reached.

Mr Noy-Scott said among those who had contacted Kivells there had been 'quite a significant number of people' who had expressed an interest in reinstating the building as a cinema.

The cinema in St James Street, Okehampton has one screen with a 270-seat capacity and was built in 1937 by William Pope.

The cinema was forced to close last October due to the sudden illness of John Pope. He had kept the family tradition alive by taking over the running of the cinema from his father 34 years ago.

Mr Wagstaff said, if the premises had been sold for redevelopment, the group would turn its attention to investigating alternative locations in the town for showing films. These could include the Octagon Theatre at Okehampton College or the Old Mill site.

Mr Wagstaff said there had been a good response to the earlier meeting held by the group with lots of people coming forward to express their support.

'I think the level of support has been great,' he said.

'There is support for cinema in the community, which has been clearly demonstrated. People have felt that this is something that is worth supporting,' he added.

Mr Wagstaff said support was not just coming from residents of Okehampton, but also from people in the surrounding villages too.

Although a sale had now been agreed, the meeting for those interested in trying to ensure some kind of cinema facility for the town will still go ahead at the Charter Hall, Market Street, Okehampton at 7.30pm tomorrow night (Friday).

Further details on the meeting can be obtained from the North Tawton Development Trust on 01837 880119.