Cinema reopens under local council management

The six-screen Ashford Cinema opened under council management on Tuesday

A six-screen cinema in Kent has relaunched after being rebranded under the management of the local council.

The Ashford Cinema - formerly the Picturehouse - opened its doors in the town's Elwick Place on Tuesday.

Ashford Borough Council announced its intention to step in and take over operating the venue earlier this year after the cinema chain announced it would be leaving.

A council spokesperson said the cinema would "continue to offer an entertainment hub in the town centre".

Picturehouse members have been contacted about any time remaining on their account and customers with pre-bookings will be able to use their tickets at the venue, the council said.

Staff are unaffected by the change in management, a spokesperson said.

Noel Ovenden, leader of Ashford Borough Council said: “When Picturehouse informed us that they would be walking away from their long-term lease in early 2024 we felt it was important to take action.

"Rather than stand by and do nothing, we decided we should step in for the benefit of the local community, and do all we can to keep our town centre cinema open for business."