A CINEMA could

be open in Kidderminster by February after a businessman came forward with vital start-up cash.

Plans have been submitted to open a three-screen theatre at the former Blunts shoe warehouse, opposite B&Q in Green Street, and could end years of wrangling to return movie magic to the town.

Simon Swaffield, who runs Swaffield Solicitors in the town, said he was determined to get the cinema up and running after a multiplex bid for the historic Piano Building fell through last year.

The majority of the £400,000 needed is coming from his own pocket and Mr Swaffield said he was aiming to get the cinema open by school half term in February. Up to six jobs are likely to be created.

He said: "After all the hoo-ha over bringing a cinema to Kidderminster, I decided to do something myself.

"I am such a cinema fan but there is also an obvious gap in the marketplace."

The cinema would present the latest Hollywood blockbusters, as well as movie classics, with state-of-the-art sound and picture quality and have space for more than 300 people, he said.