YORK MP Hugh Bayley today called on planners to come to a compromise with the owners of York Odeon in order to secure its long-term future.

Mr Bayley spoke out after meeting the chain's regional manager, Ian McDonald, together with Coun Keith Orrell, executive member for leisure and heritage and performing arts officer, Gill Cooper. Our campaign to save the Blossom Street picture house has the support of more than 10,000 people.

In a statement to the Evening Press, Mr McDonald refers to the company's battle with City of York Council to secure planning permission to refurbish the site in 2002. The scheme was rejected by councillors on the grounds that it would have meant the removal of the traditional Odeon sign.

The Odeon chief still refused to be drawn on their future plans for the cinema.

"The current position remains that Odeon continues to review its options with regard to the future of Blossom Street cinema," he said.

But Mr Bayley said if a compromise could be reached over the sign and a planning application resubmitted "Mr McDonald says that they would consider keeping the cinema open, amongst the other options they are considering".

The MP has now written to Roy Templeman, the council's director of development and environment services, to ask him to consult the chairman of the planning committee over the issue.

"The only way to save the cinema is for the council to talk to the Odeon about whether there is any basis upon which a further planning application for rebranding and refurbishment could be made," Mr Bayley said.

"The massive response to the Evening Press campaign shows the cinema would have lots of customers if it was refurbished."

Meanwhile, Coun Orrell revealed that Mr McDonald had "mentioned" the possibility of another cinema chain taking over the site as a way forward.

"If this happened, it would at least keep the cinema open for the people of York but it would break a link which is very important and perhaps emotional for many people," Coun Orrell said.

"The size of the Evening Press petition shows how many people want the cinema to remain open.

"I am disappointed that the response from the Odeon does not say what the group are going to do now, even though I thought the meeting with Mr

McDonald was positive and helpful. It is clear from what he said that the Odeon needs to attract more customers if it is to be viable in the long term. Clearly a refurbishment of the building would help that process and I hope that the Odeon can move to carry this out as soon as possible."

Updated: 10:32 Tuesday, March 02, 2004