A TWO to three screen modern cinema could be coming to Okehampton, in a radical move being considered by town councillors. The cinema would be created on the site of the council-owned market hall. Entertainment company Merlin Cinemas have conducted a feasibility study and councillors last week launched an extensive consultation exercise into the project. Cllr Tony Leech, mayor of Okehampton, said: ?It is a fairly radical move. Merlin Cinemas were very keen to buy the Carlton ? and we have been looking at how best to utilise the hall. ?We wanted something for community use, that also would help save the tax payer something like £10,000 in subsidies to keep the market going. ?We looked at what would bring extra trade into the town and we hope a modern, two or three screen cinema would generate extra income for Okehampton.? Cllr Leech said although the market hall could close under the scheme ? and stall holders have been given notice to quit ? the council was actively investigating other market options for Okehampton. ?I personally want to chair a meeting of all users of the hall. We need to facilitate a way of moving forward. We certainly don?t want to lose the market, it?s just how we interpret it and carry it through for the betterment of everybody,? said Cllr Leech. ?I do hope everybody feels as enthusiastic as we do, and others that we have spoken to over the last few months.? Cllr David Weekes, chairman of the council?s properties committee, said: ?We have to consider the financial side of things and actually encourage people to come to Okehampton for leisure facilities in the evenings. ?Okehampton is a market town, so we want to do everything we can to retain the market and the atmosphere in the town, just to try and relocate it,.? People are being asked their views in a survey carried out by students from the College of St Mark and St John in Plymouth. Town clerk Don Bent said: ?We are getting a good cross-section of people and so far, the feedback is, ?What a good idea, let?s do something else with the building?.? Geoff Greaves, director of Merlin Cinemas, said he was ?very optimistic? about moving into Okehampton: ?The market hall is a wonderful building, it?s in a great position and I am sure we can really make it work as a cinema.? Mr Greaves said his company was prepared to make ?a considerable investment? to convert the market hall. ?Our intention is to provide a modern two/three screen cinema. As you can imagine, that?s quite a task but we have done several conversions before and we know what is involved.? If the plans went ahead, the cinema could be up and running next summer. But the idea has not gone down well with users of the market hall. Trader Pam Powesland, who ran the market for a time, said: ?The stallholders are very upset ? they just feel this has all been planned well in advance because the council just wants to get rid of the market. The traders don?t trust the councillors whatsoever. ?I still have enthusiasm for the market and feel I could make a go of it. ?We personally don?t think a cinema will work ? you can buy or rent DVDs and videos and even the proper cinema in Okehampton didn?t work.? Christine Brown, of Okehampton Farmers? Market, said: ?Having moved from the Charter Hall to the market hall this year, we are very disappointed to be asked to move once more. ?We have not yet been offered any alternative venue from April by the council and we will make every effort to keep the farmers? market going, as it?s well supported by local people and provides a good source of local foods and crafts.? Caroline Shaw, of Okehampton Auctions, which holds monthly sales in the market hall, said: ?Auctions have been going on in the market hall since the 1920s, so obviously we are not at all happy about this ? we are extremely disappointed and in fact we are starting a petition with our customers against it.?
