Council plans for new Newton Abbot cinema halted

The Alexandra Theatre has been a part of the town for more than 150 years

A Devon council has unanimously voted to abandon plans for a new cinema in Newton Abbot.

Members of Teignbridge District Council elected to concentrate resources on the town’s Alexandra Theatre instead.

Plans had been considered for a new cinema as part of a package of improvements funded by the government’s Future High Streets Fund.

The decision has "sparked delight" for campaigners protesting against the council executive committee's plans, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

South Devon Alliance leader, Richard Daws, said the decision to ditch plans for the new cinema was the right one.

“The council’s executive has listened to the residents and traders in making this change."