THE PLANNED new £1 million re-fit for the Regal Cinema in Evesham found unanimous support with district councillors.

At a planning meeting last Thursday they were impressed with the proposals for a two-screen cinema and leisure facility, including a bowling alley, and a roof top restaurant.

Councillor Martin Jennings said: "We were shown around the cinema in the morning and then shown pictures of what it would look like.

"The roof top restaurant in Art Deco style will be very impressive. This will be a major highlight from Port Street's point of view. When the former Kwik Save building is refurbished with a new store, the whole street will be upgraded." He said Wychavon's head of planning, Jack Hegarty had done a brilliant job negotiating the plans for the Regal.

Mr Hegarty said: "The plans have been passed with conditions, including soundproofing the bowling area and retaining the old historic projection equipment in the building on display.

"Customers using the roof top restaurant will be able to enjoy a very scenic view, including views from Bredon Hill."

Agent for the Regal Cinema, Olivia Spall said she could not say when work would begin, but added: "I am very pleased that we have planning permission."

Evesham's town's folk were hoping that a licence for the cinema could be obtained in the interim period between now and when the work was started, but Ms Spall said that was unable to comment at this stage.

l Spokesman for All Seasons UK, Bob Singh said he hoped work would start on converting the Regal's neighbour - the old Kwik Save building into Superpound Discounts in the New Year. He said: "We hoped to start this Autumn but a few minor hitches has caused the delay."