MP Mike Amesbury delighted after Cineworld Runcorn reopens

The news comes after it emerged in August last year that Cineworld would not be reopening its Trident Retail Park cinema.

Mr Amesbury, whose Weaver Vale constituency covers parts of east Runcorn, said the potential closure would be a ‘huge blow’ for the town.

After being approached by the Runcorn and Widnes World, a spokesman for the cinema chain said: “Cineworld has not taken any decision to close Cineworld Runcorn.

“We are in conversations with the landlord regarding our current terms, which we feel are unreasonable, and are hoping to reopen once the matter has been resolved.

“But for the time-being, especially during this pandemic, we are unable to open the cinema and operate it at a profitable level.”

Cineworld Runcorn (Image: Google Maps)

Since then however, and after a petition was launched by staff to keep it open, it appears that the cinema will be welcoming customers once more in a Covid-secure manner.

Posting on social media, Mr Amesbury said: “Here is some fabulous news for Runcorn - Cineworld has reopened after fears it would remain permanently closed.

“If you recall, I got behind a residents-led campaign for the cinema to be given another chance after it failed to reopen after the first lockdown last year.

“There was an online petition, started by employee Ryan Stewart, signed by more than 3,300 people.

“I also tried to act as a mediator between the landlords and the operator to help broker a deal to secure the cinema’s future.

“I spoke to Halton Borough Council chief executive David Parr to explore alternatives, and I even approached other operators such as Vue when it appeared all hope was lost.

Weaver Vale MP Mike Amesbury

“Anyhow, the Runcorn Cineworld website is back up and running so residents young and old can once again enjoy the latest blockbusters on their doorstep.

“The sad part is people lost their jobs, but I hope Cineworld has tried to retain as many of the original team as possible, maximising employment opportunities for local people. 

“I think we can all give ourselves a pat on the back because we showed the company how much people care about this important local amenity.

“Losing this cinema would have been a huge blow to local families. My message for us all now is to use the cinema and prove it has a viable and sustainable future.”

Cineworld was approached for comment by the Runcorn and Widnes World.