Petition launched to save ‘rare’ cinema in Burgess Hill (From The Argus)

Petition launched to save ‘rare’ cinema in Burgess Hill

5:00pm Thursday 7th July 2011 in News

A petition has been launched to save a historic cinema.

Residents fear the Orion Cinema in Burgess Hill is at risk of being turned into a Sainsbury’s supermarket. Campaigners are now urging Mid Sussex District Council to save the picture house.

A campaign group that previously set up a 1,000-member Facebook group has written to councillors.

The letter and accompanied petition said: “I am concerned that if development was to go ahead (either by Sainsbury or any other major retailer) that it would mean the Orion Cinema would be demolished to accommodate it and the necessary road infrastructure.

“I am sure you are aware that cinemas of this age and design are rare.

The Orion is, therefore, an important part of Burgess Hill’s history and heritage. It has great character and it should be protected and maintained.”

The petition, available online, has so far been signed by 46 people.

Camilla Chapman said: “It’s been a major part of the town and people’s social lives.”

A Sainsbury’s spokeswoman said: “We are very keen to have a presence in Burgess Hill and have been looking at opportunities for opening a new store in the town.

“We do not have any firm plans in place at this stage but we would fully consult the community should any new store proposals emerge.”

Mid Sussex District Council spokesman says it is keen to attract inward investment to the town and has received a great deal of interest.