Wolverhampton's Light House launches fundraiser to help revamp website
An independent cinema battling to keep its doors open is calling on supporters to help it "shine online".
More than £1,700 has been raised towards Light House's latest fundraising drive to overhaul its poor functioning website.
Staff at the Wolverhampton venue, which is the only independent cinema in the Black Country, said its current unpredictable website is leaving visitors disappointed.
Kelly Jeffs, Light House chief executive officer, said: "We’re feeling positive that Project Bright will reach its target of £5000 – a large chunk has already been raised.
"Light House needs a new website. Our current one is ten years old and is starting to break down, which is useless when people want to book tickets or see what time films are showing.
"We’re more than just a cinema too, and we want to be able to publicise all the events and social groups that happen here and help us reach new audiences.
"Thanks to everyone that’s already pledged, and if you haven’t already, please pledge soon. The Crowdfunder finishes in two weeks."
More than 70 people have already pledged their support to the cause and donated funds to the online Project Bright appeal.
Cash is needed to improve the charity's online presence, making it easier to view film listings and events, as well as buy tickets.
The current "terrible" website features links which do not work and does not have the option for customers to donate to its charity.
Customers cannot browse the venue's cafe menu online and often struggle to buy tickets from the website.
The online appeal read: "Light House has evolved in the last decade – we need a website that truly reflects what we do. Yes, films are important, but we’re much more than just a cinema.
"We need to strengthen the message that we're a registered charity, dependent on footfall and donations. We can't do that with our current website."
Incentives for pledging include film posters, free tickets, memberships of the Friend of Light House scheme and private use of one of the venue’s screens.
The latest fundraiser comes after staff launched their Save Light House appeal last year after fears the two-screen cinema would shut due to a lack of funding.
