Cinema with uncertain future still open, says boss

Manager Jack Bottomley has worked at the cinema for a decade taking over its running last year

Film fans have been urged to continue using a century-old cinema in Keighley while plans for its future are under negotiation.

Keighley Town Council had planned to buy The Picture House on North Street from Bradford Council after it was announced earlier this year that the site would be sold at auction.

However, the sale was postponed after it was revealed that local supporters were interested in buying and running the Grade II-listed venue.

Jack Bottomley, cinema manager, said audience numbers had fallen "dramatically" following news of the changes, despite the fact that the venue remains open.

The last time the cinema had to close was as a result of restrictions during the pandemic

Mr Bottomley said: "I have noticed the last few weeks that people have only read the headlines and thought 'they're shutting'.

"We just want to let people know that we're still here and we're not going anywhere."

Mr Bottomley has worked at the cinema for a decade and became manager last year.

He said there was a full programme of films for Halloween including a free showing of Ghost Stories on Wednesday evening as part of the Bradford City of Culture celebrations.

A Christmas schedule and screenings up to at least July next year were also in place, added the 34-year-old.

He said: "There are a lot of people on our side and I think that's helping to turn the tide and means we're in a lot better position now."

The Picture House first opened in 1913, has been owned by the council since the 1980s and is currently run by a leaseholder.

The town council has pledged to find £110,000 towards the building's asking price.

Local campaigners have also launched a £300,000 crowdfunding campaign to help pay for a buyout and secure the cinema's future in the longer term.

The smaller second screen has seating for up to 90 people

Councillor Chris Herd, the town's mayor, said: "Support the cinema. Of course it's open as the lights are on and the doors are open."

Herd said it was "sensible" to delay any decision about the purchase of the cinema until the town council had "the full picture."

A survey commissioned by the town council highlighted some structural issues, which require further investigation, but the cinema and its two screens remain open to the public.

Current tenant Charles Morris, who runs five other cinemas across Yorkshire and the north, rescued The Picture House from closure and reopened it in 1996.

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