The Labour Party in Croydon

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LABOUR BACKS UPPER NORWOOD CINEMA

Labour's Action Team in South Norwood have been supporting local residents wishes for a new local cinema, on the site of the former Gala Bingo Hall building, in Church Road.

Kingway International Christian Centre has applied to Croydon Council to for a change of use, in other words so it can be potentially converted into a place of worship.

Councillor Jane Avis, Kathy Bee and Wayne Lawlor attended a public meeting at Queens Hotel on Church Road, along with Malcolm Wicks MP to support fellow local residents in demanding that City Screen, which shows independent, art-house and foreign-language films, be offered the opportunity to bid for the building.

Councillor Jane Avis said "I was absolutely delighted to see thousands of local residents turn out for the largest public meeting I have ever witnessed in all my years as a councillor for South Norwood. City Screen's interest really would be the best deal for our community.

I addressed the meeting and asked locals if they also felt the tram should be extended to Crystal Palace, so people from all over the Borough can visit the cinema. The response was overwhelming.

Kathy Bee said "It was truly amazing to see so many people turn out for this meeting, and local feeling is very pro City Screen coming to Upper Norwood. It would provide a welcome boost for the local economy as well as providing jobs.

No one is opposed to KICC, but feel that this location is just not apprpriate for their use. Local residents have been telling me this in their droves. We really hope that KICC can find more suitable accommodation."

Wayne Lawlor said "City Screen have clearly demonstrated that they can make the best use of the old Gala Bingo hall. Their presentation at the public meeting was first class. A cinema would be great for everyone, especially young people in Upper Norwood.

South and Upper Norwood has the highest number of young people living in Croydon. This would be a dream come true for many in our community. We are desperate more more facilities for young people, so this opportunity can only help.