THE threat of closure of the Odeon cinema in Blossom Street is a familiar tactic used by the Odeon company.

Chester and Harrogate councils both gave in to similar pressure. However, City of York Council should stand firm.

The owners' claim that "economic viability" would be the reason for closure doesn't stand up to scrutiny.

Had Blossom Street Odeon not been viable, it would have been closed long ago. The real reason the company are threatening closure is because they simply cannot get their own way with their plans to remove the unique signage.

A sensible compromise by Odeon on a sensitive rebranding would assure a prosperous future for this historic cinema. I find the modern Odeon logo "fanatical about film" ironic.

Sadly, Odeon appear to find their fine listed buildings to be a burden rather than a proud asset.

Derek Atkins,

Public relations officer,

Mercia Cinema Society,

Mount Vale,

York.

Updated: 11:55 Monday, December 01, 2003