Louts stop cinema screenings

Ray Sutton says his customers have been abused and intimidated by drunken yobs as they make their way in and out of the Western Road picture house on Friday and Saturday nights.

He told the Observer: "The town centre is becoming a no-go area for decent people on Friday and Saturday nights.

"In recent years the situation with drunken hooligans has got worse and people are afraid to venture out to go to the cinema.

"I've seen my numbers decrease rapidly over this time and my customers have said they don't feel safe.

"I have had people too afraid to leave the cinema because of louts outside shouting, swearing, climbing over cars, fighting and throwing things. People say 'nice cinema, shame about the town.'

"That's the reason I've decided to close on Fridays and Saturdays indefinitely. It's a pity but I can't do business when it's like that.

"It's hard enough keeping your head above water with an independent cinema without that added problem.

"It's a shame for the decent people who do like to come and enjoy the cinema."

Mr Sutton, who has been at the Curzon since 1995, says there is virtually no police supervision and that's in stark contrast to street-drinking bans and zero-tolerance measures in Hastings and Eastbourne town centres at weekends.

He added: "They run riot and do what they like. They've claimed the town centre and the problem is being ignored. And it will only get worse as the yobs are cleared from the streets in Hastings and Eastbourne."

Mr Sutton added: "I'm not anti-youth by any means. Anyone is welcome here as long as they behave themselves, and it's not only young people who can play-up.

"In fact I used to run afternoon children's matinees but they weren't particularly well supported and couldn't really be justified after a while."

Inspector Max Mosley said: "If Mr Sutton has got problems she should contact the police. That area is covered by CCTV. I could check my records, but I cannot remember a single incident that he has reported to us."

l The Curzon is open from Sunday to Thursday, inclusive.