Sir,

Re. Tenby Royal Playhouse Cinema and the closing of the De Valence.

Over recent months, there has been a great deal of concern over the loss of the only cinema in Tenby and now with the closing of the De Valence, the future is not looking good for entertainment in Tenby.

Some two years ago, when I was on the board of directors of the Tenby Entertainment Management, I lodged a proposal to fulfil the entertainment requirements for Tenby for the foreseeable future in the form of a brand new arts and entertainment centre within the proposed Gatehouse development.

My proposal involved the selling of the De Valence, which at the time was valued in the region of £600-900,000.

At the time, I spoke to Mr. Graham Fry regarding the possibility of a long-term lease on a substantial unit within the new development, which in principle was acceptable for the construction of a purpose-built centre which would house at least two multi-purpose theatres/cinemas, family areas for bowling and children's play areas, as well as eating venues/art display areas. The centre would be the ideal wet weather centre that Tenby desperately needs.

With the funds raised from the sale of the De Valence, these would completely cover the costs of fitting out the centre to a very high standard, which would leave the running cost to be covered by the centre's income. This would be an extremely financially viable operation, as it would be open on a 15-hour daily basis, winter and summer, with several income streams throughout the centre and generating in the region of 10-15 local jobs.

This type of centre would include live shows, cinema, conference facilities, children's entertainment, meeting places etc.

I still believe this option would work in the centre of Tenby and I hope by making my proposal known to your readers that I can generate some support for such a scheme and a new proposal to the town council.

Stephen Williams,

Tenby.