Scene set as cinema groups focus together

The Dunfermline Cinema Project (DCP) and the Dunfermline Regeneration Trust (DRT) met last week to discuss plans to bring a cinema to the town centre.

With a shared vision and goals in place, they have agreed how to best use all their expertise to achieve their target.

Graeme Spence, one of the DCP organisers, said: "It’s great to have the backing of the Regeneration Trust.

"They really know the ins and outs, and who’s who in the area – the knowledge they provide will help deliver success for the project.

"Early on, people were a bit anxious with how many different groups would potentially be taking on the cinema challenge. However, now it’s good we can all focus on one vision, and each group has a clear role to play."

The Project will be focusing on the initial launch and operation of a community cinema, while the Trust will focus on securing a more viable long-term venue for it to be housed in.

Fiona Simpson, trustee of DRT, said: “Our Trust seeks to enhance the vibrancy of Dunfermline town centre.

"We have had an overwhelming response to the cinema project in our public consultation – and collaboration with the DCP allows us to expand our reach to even more projects in the local area."

Calls for a community cinema in Dunfermline were intensified after we launched our Press, Take, Action! campaign back in February. More than 1,110 fed-up film fans have signed our petition calling on Odeon bosses to cut ticket prices at their Fife Leisure Park venue, the dearest screens in Scotland.

MP Douglas Chapman has supported our campaign from the start, and is encouraged by the progress being made by the DCP and DRT.

He commented: "It’s fantastic to have a ‘one-vision’ outcome, with the various parties coming together to form a great team push to make this a reality.

"Everyone agrees that a community cinema would give the town a significant boost and make cinema-going more affordable. It's this kind of joined-up effort that should help us deliver on that ambition."