New cinema planned for Oswestry would attract the '16 to 30-year-old popcorn-fest audience'

Ian Garland, owner of Kinokulture, an independent cinema based in Oswestry, said he welcomed the plans set out by cinema expert Trevor Harris earlier this week to convert a town centre property into a one-screen cinema which will show the latest films.

Mr Garland said a cinema screening all the major film releases would be good for the town, without being in competition with his business.

He said: "From what Trevor has said in the local press so far, it does sound like early days but I wish him plenty of luck with it.

"I think what he is looking to offer the town sounds a lot different to what we're doing. It's like that difference between Sainsbury's and a deli, Sainsbury's is Sainsbury's whereas a deli is a deli.

"In fact I would love there to be somewhere where young people in the town can enjoy the latest, mainstream films that appeal to them.

"There is a gap in the market in Oswestry for the 16 to 30-year-old popcorn-fest audience, so I think it would be fantastic for the town.

"I consider our biggest competition locally to be the Market Hall in Shrewsbury but then again their customers come to us, and vice versa. Really what we do is work with the British Film Institute for what we provide."

Earlier this week, Mr Harris who ran the former Regal Cinema on Leg Street in the town, said he is working with an as yet unnamed company for the project.

He also said he was unable to reveal which building the cinema is proposed for but confirmed the plans were expected to be lodged with Shropshire Council this week.

Mr Garland added: "It all sounds very intriguing. I will be interested to find out which building it is proposed for but in the meantime, I wish Trevor luck with it."