ODEON chiefs are considering a major revamp of the York cinema, the Evening Press can reveal today.

York MP Hugh Bayley said regional managers had told him they intended presenting proposals to modernise the Blossom Street picture house to company bosses within the next few weeks.

"If they approve it, they can set about trying to make it happen," he said.

A company spokeswoman confirmed that the complex could be refurbished, saying: "There has been talk of possible investment at the York site."

It is believed the plans could involve an investment of more than £1 million, with the large Screen One possibly being split into three separate screens to create a city centre multiplex.

The news of a possible refurbishment is the first chink of hope to emerge since the Evening Press launched its campaign to Save The York Odeon more than a year ago.

Our petition, handed over at company headquarters in London by Mr Bayley last spring, was signed by more than 14,000 residents.

Until now, cinema bosses have been tight-lipped, saying only that the viability of the cinema was under review.

But if they now decide to press ahead with a revamp, they will still need to win planning permission from City of York Council - which sparked closure fears in 2003 by rejecting a previous improvement scheme.

Mr Bayley pledged to support the company with a fresh application for a sympathetic modernisation. He claimed council planners had "made a mistake" in rejecting the original modernisation scheme because of arguments over signs on the front of the building.

"Now they know the future of the cinema is at risk I'm sure they would be more accommodating," he said.

"The Odeon is a landmark in Blossom Street, a really important city centre entertainment facility.

"Thousands of York people have happy memories of the place.

"It would be a tragedy if it stopped operating as a cinema. I will do everything I can to help the Odeon get permission to modernise it in a sympathetic way, which will make it an exciting attraction for many years to come."

Odeon campaigner Derek Atkins said: "Until the plans are actually plans I will not be jumping for joy, but obviously I'm delighted that things are moving forward.

"If the Evening Press had not stepped in when it did, there is no doubt in my mind that the cinema would be closed by now."

Updated: 09:44 Saturday, April 09, 2005