A night at the cinema - with owner's compliments

Owner Philip Cotterill is so delighted with the public support he has received for the redevelopment scheme, he is to hold a preview opening and put on a free evening show.

Mr Cotterill was recently granted the licenses he needs to run the Western Road venue.

He was "thrilled" by the amount of positive messages and input from members of the public, both through the licensing process and from visitors to his Redstack restaurant.

A grand opening is scheduled to be held on December 15, with a screening of a film at no charge for those people who have registered their support with the entrepreneur.

It is hoped the public will make use of the new bar facilities, and marvel at the planned 'chocolate fountain.'

Mr Cotterill said: "It will be opening on that day, just as an enormous thank you to the people of Bexhill really.

"We have been amazed by the amount of support we have had, the people coming into the restaurant and hardly a letter of complaint. It's the people's chance to see what has happened to their cinema and a chance to use the screen."

The cinema will permanently open for business shortly afterwards, with other shows being put on at the start of the New Year.

He confirmed the venue is now booked up to April with a full range of events from comedy and cabaret, to jazz and opera. He said: "Everything is going well and we just have to sit down and look at the details."

Mr Cotterill confirmed his plans will be finalised in a matter of days and Observer readers would be the among the first to know the full programme and ticket costs.