Good news for local film fans - Tenby's Royal Playhouse Cinema is re-opening its doors for business.

Many people have been curious and asked: 'Why was Tenby's much loved historic cinema, the only one in South Pembrokeshire, forced to close its doors in September 2000?'

Owner Mr. Graham Fry explained that the scenario was thus: Pembrokeshire County Council are responsible for issuing the renewal licence forms for just two cinemas in the county - 1. Haverfordwest (owned by the county council); 2. Tenby (privately owned).

"However," said Mr. Fry, "due to an administration error, Tenby's renewal application form was not issued until two weeks after the expiry date. This resulted in the county council making the decision that as the Playhouse application arrived too late for renewal, it would, despite having provided year on year of service to the community for well over 100 years, now have to be considered as a 'new application'.

"With a 'new application' came 'new conditions' and 'legislation' which resulted in there being no alternative but to close the cinema, as the county council would not allow it to continue operating whilst statutory works were carried out.

"This came as a blow, not only to its staff, but also to the community of Tenby - old and young alike were saddened and disappointed at the decision to close the cinema."

Mr. Fry said that afterwards he received an overwhelming amount of letters, odes and petitions from well-wishers from all over the county.

He also revealed that during the 'closed term' of the cinema, he had received many - "some "very tempting" - offers from breweries and fast food chains eager to take over the site.

It was always the wish of Mr. Fry's late father, Mr. Fred Fry, however, that the cinema be re-opened, as it was a much-needed asset for not only the people of Tenby, but hundreds of visitors to the town too.

"There have been a number of improvements, chiefly behind the scenes and Health and Safety issues which were required to be addressed," said Mr. Fry.

He also pointed out that, unlike its council-owned counterparts across neighbouring counties, being a private enterprise, the Royal Playhouse Cinema was not eligible for grant support. They were also required to pay a considerable sum in general rates.

"As a result, the necessities have had to come first and luxuries like 'surround sound', a thing very much the norm in the growing multi-plex cinemas, will have to wait," said Mr. Fry.

"But it will be business as usual: top films and a warm and friendly atmosphere in a setting of nostalgia, and an era of yesteryear will be where it should be, in Tenby's Royal Playhouse Cinema."

Finally, Mr. Fry said that he and his family would like to sincerely thank everyone for their ongoing support and they now look forward to welcoming customers old and new to the cinema once again.

The cinema is due to re-open today (Friday).