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Thieves and vandals 'take over' cinema
DONCASTER'S historic Odeon cinema has been destroyed by thieves and vandals who have taken over the derelict building, a cafe owner has claimed.
Mark Fitzgerald, owner of Prego, which is next door to the Odeon in Hall Gate, said that thieves had looted the building for copper pipes, causing flooding in his cafe.
His staff have also found needles discarded by drug users in the outside area behind the cinema, he said.
"In the last six months it has got worse and worse," said Mr Fitzgerald.
"It's just not nice running a business at the side of something that is being damaged by vandals.
"You don't know what you are going to find every morning. The worst thing was when we had the flood."
The art-deco building, which has been used as a cinema since 1934, has been empty since April 2008, after developers Lazarus Properties bought the site.
In February, Lazarus submitted plans to demolish the cinema and build a
complex containing shops, eateries, a gym, a casino and offices.
However, its plans have been delayed after campaigners hoping to save the building were joined by the Theatres Trust.
The trust has written to Doncaster Council's planning department calling for the building to be preserved and placed the site on its Theatres at Risk register. The council is legally obliged to consult the trust on any project involving a theatre site. The Odeon is classified as a theatre because it was used for stage shows in the past.
The backing comes after the Government refused to grant the site listed building status.
Ray Nortrop, leader of campaign group Friends of the Odeon, said that the building was an important piece of Doncaster's identity.
He said: "I personally want to see it re-open as an entertainments venue. But something needs to be done now. We want to see this building saved."
But Mr Fitzgerald said it was now in such a state of disrepair that he would welcome demolition.
He added that the ornate window campaigners were anxious to protect had been smashed and the plasterwork had been ruined by the blue metal sheeting attached to the front of the building.
"They are trying to save something that does not exist. I think they are saying it's a beautiful art-deco building. I think they are living in the past," he added.
Lloyd Nicholson, director of Lazarus Properties said the firm have had "ongoing problems" with the site and were trying to keep the building safe.
A council spokesman confirmed that officers inspected the building on the grounds of public safety on Tuesday and no problems were found.
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Friday 25 May 2012
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