Permanent first-run cinema an unlikely prospect for DLWP

The idea appeared to be ruled out by Pavilion director Alan Haydon in a Rother District Council scrutiny committee meeting on Monday, who said it was "feasible," and his team had considered it, but they could not find a financially viable way of making it happen.

Cllr Christopher Starnes, chairing the committee, asked whether the Pavilion had considered filling the hole left by the closure of the Redstack Playhouse in 2008.

"It's something we have dipped our toe in a number of times," said Mr Haydon, who added they had spoken to a number of cinema consultants.

"They all say the same thing - as long as you can find substantial capital funds to cover cost of the right equipment.

"We have done some film screenings. I have to say, it's been hit and miss. To go beyond that, one must expect the industry will bleed you dry.

"We haven't found a way of doing it without risk attached."