Cineworld's temporary closure leaves Wolverhampton film-lovers 'gutted'
'It's really sad to hear about this place closing as it's the only cinema the city has and it's a big loss'.
Film-goers in Wolverhampton have spoken of their surprise and sadness at the news that the Cineworld cinema at Bentley Bridge is set to close temporarily.
It is set to be one of 128 Cineworld cinemas to close across the UK on Thursday, after news the release of the latest James Bond film – No Time To Die – was further delayed from November to spring 2021.
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The closure would leave Wolverhampton without a single major cinema operator in the city, something 18-year-old Olivia Mordzak, from Walsall, said was very gutting for her.
She said: "I really do feel gutted about this as it's always been the cheapest cinema to go to and I've always enjoyed watching films here.
"There will be other cinemas open, but it means having to travel to get to them.
"It'll really affect the city as the number of customers coming in will be less as there'll be less choice for them."
Anisha Mahey, who had come with Olivia to watch After We Collided, said she could see the reasons behind it, but it was still disappointing.
The 18-year-old from Whitmore Reans said: "It's got to close down for a reason, in my opinion, as the number of cases is getting higher, but I'm still sad to see it close.
"There isn't really much else around here in terms of a cinema, so it's sad as I'll have to go elsewhere now."
For Ellie Tew and Abi Reynolds, who had travelled from Willenhall to see the same film, it was a surprise for both 16-year-olds to find out the cinema was closing.
Ellie said: "Losing this place is really sad as we like to go and see a movie, and it's really going to affect the city as people like to come here and watch a movie."
Abi said: "They've just spent all this money on it and now they're planning to close it, which is a massive shame – and all because a Bond film isn't happening."
Peter McDougall from Dunstall Park has been a regular film-goer at the cinema and the 34-year-old echoed the sentiments about the effect it would have on the city.
He said: "There's not much else to do in Wolverhampton.
"I don't think it's the right decision from an entertainment point of view, although I do understand the business standpoint that if people aren't coming in, it's not viable to stay open."
Wolverhampton North East MP Jane Stevenson has requested an urgent meeting with Cineworld bosses to ensure jobs are protected, and that employees can return to work there as soon as possible.
She said: “The news that the Cineworld at Bentley Bridge is closing will be a devastating blow to the whole city as this will leave Wolverhampton without a single major cinema operator.
"Although I understand the closure will be temporary, I am seeking an urgent meeting with bosses at Cineworld to understand exactly what this means for my constituents who are employed there.
"The cinema is a fantastic asset for the area, and is widely used by people from across the city, so I hope that it can reopen again as soon as possible.
"Protecting local jobs during the coronavirus pandemic is one of my top priorities, so I look forward to discussing this with Cineworld."
Cineworld chief executive Mooky Greidinger said: "This is not a decision we made lightly, and we did everything in our power to support safe and sustainable reopenings in all of our markets."
No Time To Die was meant to hit cinemas in November, but fans will now have to wait until April 2 next year before seeing Daniel Craig's final outing in the role.
Mr Greidinger said Cineworld will wait until "the appropriate time" to talk about reopening.
Meanwhile Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: "Obviously we hope to keep the numbers of people who lose their jobs down as much as we can, but clearly there are going to be tough times ahead.
"Supporting local cinemas – I think we've already put £30 million in – but what I would say to people is that local cinemas do now have ways of making their shows go on in a Covid-19-secure way and I'd encourage people to go out to the cinema, enjoy themselves and support those businesses."
