THE boss of a top national film body expressed concern today over the possible closure of York's Odeon Cinema.

Bill Lawrence, who is head of film at the National Museum of Photography, Film and Television in Bradford, said its closure would be a tragedy as it was "the only cinema of its kind" in the country.

The Evening Press revealed that the site was being assessed for its "economic viability" and staff were told that it may be put on the market.

Mr Lawrence, who lived opposite the Blossom Street picture house for more than 15 years, was previously part of a campaign to keep the former ABC Cinema open in Piccadilly.

"It's a Grade II listed building and is a special example of Odeon design," he said.

"I'm not usually one to stand in the way of progress, but this is certainly worth keeping.

"I used to go there once or twice a week when I lived in York."

Mr Lawrence, who was the former manager at City Screen, in York, said cinema-goers should fight to keep it open.

"It's often difficult to stop developers when they get the scent. But I think people should show their concern and fight for what they believe in.

"The Odeon is well worth keeping and is a very special cinema."

Meanwhile, Odeon bosses would not confirm or deny rumours that the cinema was set to close next year.

A spokeswoman said: "Our position has not changed - we will not be commenting further."

The Odeon chain was bought by German company WestLB from Cinven in March for more than £430 million. But since then business analysts claim its value has "slumped" as cinema-goers were deterred by the Iraq war, the long hot summer and a lack of blockbuster films.

The Odeon in York, which property developers predict could fetch more than £2 million, employs 20 staff.

It was built in 1937 when cinema construction was at its zenith in the UK.

Updated: 10:44 Friday, December 05, 2003