Sir,
I enclose a copy of a letter that I have written to Mr. Andrew Davies, Town Clerk, regarding the prospect of Tenby's future without an entertainment facility or cinema.
I attended the public display of the plans for the Royal Gatehouse site, with the specific purpose of trying to find out whether a cinema was included. I was told that space for a very small cinema had indeed been included, but the chances of anyone taking up the prospect were minimal.
It is common sense that in the current economic climate a one-screen cinema with few seats is an unlikely prospect for any cinema provider to take on. It appears on first observation that very few people have noticed, or care that Tenby faces a future without a cinema.
On closer reflection, however, this may be because of the current state of the Royal Playhouse and the fact that the choice of films shown is poor. As keen cinephiles, my husband and I have done our best to support the current manager in his admirable attempts to keep the cinema open, but, more often than not, it has been easier and more pleasant for us to travel further afield for a better choice and more comfortable surroundings. A new two-screen cinema is the answer for Tenby and this is where the De Valence comes in.
I don't profess to understand the reasons for the closure of the De Valence, but it is truly heartbreaking that this has happened to such an historic amenity, and it can only be detrimental to Tenby as a holiday resort. As far as I can see, the loss of a cinema and the De Valence sounds the death knell for Tenby as a tourist destination.
Already in the current situation, we have lost several good shops and yet, in the plans for the Gatehouse site, space for more shops is allocated and more apartments are to be included. I am wondering who is going to want to come and live in a town in the far west of Wales, however beautiful, which cannot provide basic entertainment in the form of a cinema, let alone a major venue for drama, music and any cultural or community event that needs to take place. I know I wouldn't.
The lead article on the De Valence closure in today's Tenby Observer mentions looking at the future of the building and acquiring something fit for the 21st Century. I would like to suggest to the Town Council that the priority for a new venue would be a two-screen cinema; anything smaller than that would not be a viable proposition. The two-screen cinema in Haverfordwest appears to be a successful example. A new building at the De Valence would also need to incorporate the current facilities, including a stage for performances of music and drama. The Torch Theatre in Milford Haven is an excellent example of a theatre/cinema combination working most successfully.
The closure of the De Valence appears to have shocked a lot of people, but it's a sad fact that the arts in general in Tenby are poorly supported. One only has to attend an event in the Tenby Arts Festival in September to note that local people, apart from those directly involved, show little interest. It's a very true adage that 'you've got to use it or you lose it.'
I can only strongly reiterate that the loss of a cinema and central entertainment venue would be seriously detrimental to Tenby's future. I trust that Tenby Town Council will do all in their power to try and make something positive come out of this serious situation.
Jennifer Richards (Mrs),
Tenby.