Wellington Clifton cinema is sold to investor

The Clifton Cinema, in Wellington, Shropshire, closed in 1989

A former cinema that a community group had hoped to turn into an arts venue has been sold.

The Clifton Cinema, in Wellington, Shropshire, closed in 1989 and was used as a furniture store until Dunelm Mill moved out in 2012.

Dunelm Mill confirmed it had exchanged contracts to sell the building.

Save the Clifton group said the news was "disappointing". It was raising money to buy the site by selling community shares.

'Alternative arts venue'

Fiona Hunter, from the campaign, said: "Until planning permission is submitted, we don't know who the owner is."

"We are looking at whether the building can be listed. There is also the possibility of revisiting the idea of it being an asset of community value."

The group wanted to restore the building and include dance studios, rehearsal space, a 100-seat cinema and a 400-seat theatre within the venue.

It had set itself a target of £500,000 to buy the site. In two years £31,000 has been raised.

Ms Hunter said the sale of shares would be suspended until the site's future was known.

Pat McCarthy, Independent Wellington councillor, said the sale represented a "missed opportunity" by Telford and Wrekin Council to support the campaign.

"We have a very narrow range of cultural experiences in Telford and Wellington," he said.

The council declined to comment and Dunelm Mill did not wish to make a statement.