HOPES there will now be some lights, camera and action over the battle to build a cinema in Kidderminster have been boosted by the "films" minister.

Culture minister Janet Anderson will write to all major cinema operators to urge them to set up in the town.

Her vow came after a meeting with Wyre Forest MP David Lock who was fuming the district council and developer had failed to land a cinema for the multi-million pound KTC1 town centre development - despite speaking to 16 companies.

Townsfolk have been waiting for 18 years for a cinema since the ABC closed in 1982.

Moviegoers currently have to travel to Merry Hill, Worcester or Bridgnorth.

Mr Lock said: "I am very pleased that the films minister has signalled her support for a new cinema in Kidderminster.

"We agreed that a population of 100,000 ought to be able to support a reasonable sized cinema and she agreed to make sure every major cinema chain operator looks carefully at setting up in town.

"It is high time the people of Wyre Forest had a cinema. Now we have the support of the films minister it's up to the council and the developer to take advantage of this superb opportunity."

Wyre Forest District Council chairman John Gordon welcomed the support of Ms Anderson.

He added the authority would be sending the minister a copy of the retail impact study for the local plan which showed a cinema was high on the agenda of townsfolk's wishes.

He said: "Hopefully, this will help Ms Anderson with her efforts. Meanwhile, we will be getting in touch with the 16 companies once again to show them the study and reiterate how important a cinema is for Wyre Forest."