MP’s culture plea for city centre

Sep 26 2008 by Allison Dickinson, Chester Chronicle

CHILDREN in Chester will miss out on a new scheme to experience a trip to the theatre for free, says city MP Christine Russell.

The Chester MP spoke out after government plans to hand out free theatre tickets to young people were released by culture secretary Andy Burnham this week.

Under the terms of the giveaway, which Mr Burnham named “Happy Mondays”, tens of thousands of tickets for Monday performances will be available at subsidised theatres in every part of England from next February – but Chester will miss out because it no longer has one.

Ms Russell said: “We have a desperate need to get a theatre and a cinema back into the city centre.

“For many people, including shoppers and tourists staying in or near the city centre, a trip to our nearest cinema at the retail park isn’t feasible and it also takes them away from our city centre shops and restaurants.

“The former Odeon building is also becoming increasingly derelict and something desperately needs to be done about that. I would love it to be like the Cornerhouse in Manchester, a meeting place where both shoppers and evening visitors can get a coffee, lunch or go to the cinema.”

Christine also hit out at claims that the future of the performing arts centre is in doubt.

She said: “Chester should have access to entertainment not based on the consumption of alcohol.

“This is why it is crucial the performing arts centre remains an integral part of the Northgate Development.”