THE future of Tenbury's Regal Cinema was in question this week with growing fears that its "temporary" closure could become permanent.

The picture house, one of the few art deco cinemas in the country, closed last week, when Jo Wall, whose family runs the Regal, told the Advertiser: "A member of our family has not been well and tickets sales have not been going well."

A poster has appeared outside the building stating that there would be no films shown until further notice but it was possible that a number of trial screenings could take place in September.

Town councillor Margaret Austin said: "Everybody is hopeful that the cinema will reopen in September and stay open. There are very few cinemas like ours in the country that are run by a family."

Councillor Austin praised the dedication and service provided by the Wall family, who manage the Regal.

"They have been marvellous over the years and we would very much like to see them carrying on."

Chris Dell, chairman of Tenbury Tourism Group, said: "I will be very sad for people who live in the town and tourists who like to take in a film, should the cinema not reopen permanently.

"It would be a great loss to the town if the cinema should close especially when you consider how much we have lost in the last few years.

Mr Dell said the loss of the cattle market and the tourist information centre had hit the town hard and it would be a further blow to lose anymore facilities.

"It's been one thing after another in Tenbury. We need something to be done to elevate Tenbury instead of continually suffering a series of setbacks."

Town councillor Julie Cook expressed concerns that the closure of the cinema, which is owned by the town council, would result in the reduction of facilities for younger people in the town.

"It is used by people of all ages, including young people. As it is, there is not much for them to do and should the cinema close this would be another facility that is lost to them."

Despite the suspension of the film shows the building will continue to be used by other groups.