Support Silver Screen

Yes there are still some valid concerns that need to be addressed and details which have to be ironed out, but we see this as a good thing for the town of Rye.

Not only will Rye have the only cinema in the whole of the Rother District but it will aid the local economy, attracting more visitors and provide a much needed facility for younger people.

There are of course genuine concerns raised by residents over traffic congestion in narrow Lion Street , access, possible noise and the appearance of the new building - but we see all these as issues that can be addressed if there is a will there and need not be insurmountable obstacles.

Cinema and film is enjoying a great revival and recent years have seen an increase in audiences of all ages. The proposed cinema will be based on the Kino at Hawkhurst, which has been a soaring success, and will be run by the same team.

We should not forget that the real battle for the Lion Street site has already been won, with the FE Centre being saved for public use rather than lost to another unwanted housing development, which would also have generated more traffic.

Whatever people may think of the Fletcher Theatre Group’s plans for Lion Street, we feel that without their hard work and intervention, a much valued public facility would have been lost to Rye forever.