Sir,

In my own verbal fight in this newspaper for a decent cinema for our town, it was with some relief that I noted the council's decision to recommend refusal of the planning application for the Gatehouse scheme. However, to avoid further delay in the progress of the scheme, it must surely be necessary to change the actual plans.

From the beginning, it has been apparent that a cinema holding only a small amount of people would not prove a viable option for a large cinema chain. I fear that anything less than a two-screen cinema would not appeal to them, and all the marketing in the world will not change that fact.

In view of the current financial situation and the steady decline of our beautiful town, a two-screen cinema would be the one thing guaranteed to bring people into Tenby from the ourside; the two-screen cinemas in Haverfordwest and Milford Haven both appear to be successful enterprises.

It has never been revealed to the public what kind of shops are included in the develoment plan, but with shops in the town closing left, right and centre, it would not seem out of the question to sacrifice some of those planned in the development to provide a good cinema. Unfortunately, a return to the planning stage appears to be the only option.

I am pleased at the council's decision, but I would urge them not to rest on their laurels. However long it takes, Tenby desperately needs a two-screen cinema to ensure its future as a tourist destination.

Jennifer Richards,

77 Upper Hill Park,

Tenby.