Following the announcement that Royston Picture Palace is set to close at the end of the year, councillors are determined to find a way to keep the cinema open.
A spokesperson for Royston Town Council said: "With regret Royston Town Council must announce the closure of the Picture Palace.
"An interim agreement to keep the Picture Palace open comes to an end at the end of the year.
"The council remains committed to finding a long term solution to keep the cinema open.
"Councillors are continuing to work hard to find and implement a solution alongside Royston First BID, cinema volunteers and other parties.
"The council would again like to thank the volunteers and all those who have expressed their support for the Picture Palace.
"We will keep the community informed with regards to future developments."
The not-for-profit community cinema was previously saved from closure earlier this year.
A petition was launched to save the cinema after it was announced that the last day of screening would be May 28.
This was due to managing organisation Saffron Screen withdrawing to a decline in ticket sales.
At the time, Saffron Screen managed to reach an agreement with Royston Town Council that films could be screened from the end of June until October 15, which was then extended until the end of the year.
Royston councillors have expressed their disappointment at the cinema's closure.
Cllr Ruth Brown, who represents Royston Heath on North Herts District Council, said: "Thanks to a dedicated team of volunteers and subsidy from Royston First BID, the cinema has been able to stay open for a further six months.
"Unfortunately Saffron Screen is not able to continue with this interim arrangement and it is taking longer than hoped to secure its future.
READ MORE
- New signage installed to help drivers find Royston's industrial estate
- Football author reunites with former publisher at Bow Books
"I believe that the cinema is important for our community and am doing everything I can to ensure that it re-opens as soon as possible."
Fiona Hill, county councillor for Royston East and Ermine, commented: "It is very disappointing that the cinema will have to close at the end of the interim contract, but I welcome the fact that Royston Town Council is committed, long term, to keeping the cinema open and is working hard to find a solution, as it would be greatly missed by many residents who use the facility regularly and value the fact that it is local and easily accessible."
Steve Jarvis, county councillor for Royston West and Rural, echoed their views, saying: "It is a great pity that the interim arrangement that has kept the cinema open since July has to come to an end.
"I hope that the town council, the Royston First BID and others who are involved in looking for a long term solution will be able to come up with something before too long."
Anyone interested in helping find a sustainable long-term solution to save the Picture Palace is asked to get in touch with Royston Town Council.
The council and Saffron Screen have thanked all volunteers who have shown support for the Picture Palace.
The cinema still has screenings of Wonka, Home Alone, Saltburn and Wish lined up until December 30.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here