The Parade Cinema awning – letter from Colin Gratton

Sirs,

I would also like to support the recent letters you have published with regard to Conservation Officers from Wilts CC requesting the much needed awning is removed.

During Covid and beyond Wilts CC like many other Councils allowed the expansion of street seating outside restaurants and cafes all along town centres and Marlborough saw a proliforation of outside seating along it’s High Street which has given the town a different positive feel.

During this period the Parade Cinema was built from a sad/neglected listed building in the Parade all with planning permission and support from Wilts CC. The re-build was not easy with many problems found along the way but in 2021 the cinema opened and it’s creators along with a great staff team have given the town a wonderful amenity. The cinema has not only screened blockbuster films but films from many other genres as well as creating a cinema for all. It has also helped rejuvenate a hidden gem in the Parade with music festivals, Easter Egg Hunts, Christmas market and much more!

The icing on the cake for many residents and vistors alike is being able to sit on the open space in front of cinema to enjoy a peaceful cup of coffee/glass of wine/food – it is a little oasis of calm. When the tasteful awning went up it allowed cinema patrons and the general public to enjoy socialising in all weathers including the winter when heaters are provided. The awning is not attached to the listed building so surely Conservation Officers could be pragmatic?

So why have Wiltshire’s Conservation Officers spoilt this wonderful venue and why have Marlborough Town Councillors being inactive to date on the matter?

We are very lucky to have a cinema in Marlborough again and it attracts people from far and wide. However, like many businesses in the current economic climate it needs support not obstacles and Conservation Officers/Wilts CC need to apply some ‘commonsense’ to this matter and quickly.

Yours,

Colin Gratton
Manton