Give cinema-lovers a Christmas treat!

12.00.00am GMT Tue 17th Dec 2002

Offer incentives like cut-price ticket deals to encourage people to visit their local cinema, the Liberal Democrats urged the Mayor when they launched a new campaign 'Great Films on Your Doorstep'.

They also called for a new festival of London films to be organised by the Mayor and shown in local cinemas across the capital.

Lynne Featherstone, Lib Dem London Assembly member, explained at yesterday's launch how local cinemas are cultural gems, but many are battling for survival and London's cinematic heritage is under threat: "The Mayor has mostly overlooked local cinemas when promoting the capital's highlights and in his draft London Plan. He ran ticket offers for London's theatres, so how about giving cinemas a similar boost?"

She also highlighted the number of cinema closures across London: ""The closure of many cinemas over recent years has restricted access to the cinema for many people who find it difficult to reach alternative venues. The Mayor should be working with relevant agencies, businesses and community groups to encourage new venues to be set-up and to promote existing cinemas.

"Cinemas like the Everyman in Hampstead are fantastic examples of how local facilities have been adapted and upgraded to provide a unique experience offering more intimate, sociable surroundings that give customers a great night out."

"The growth of multiplexes should be balanced by an increase in local venues showing a variety of films to cater for all tastes. The Mayor could help to promote film seasons showing films from around the world to widen the choice of films that people are able to see, which is particularly important in a multicultural city like London."

"The campaign will also survey cinemas across London to find out the current state of local cinema in the capital. A report will be published in the New Year."