CESTRIANS are flocking to save Chester's very own 'Cinema Paradiso' by signing petitions across the city.
The Chester cinema is under threat after nightclub owners Brook took over the cinema.
Odeon and UCI Cinema have handed the building over to the nightclub specialists citing competition and running costs as reasons for vacating the city centre.
However the cinema has a two-year-stay of execution as Odeon has leased the premises from Brook until 2008.
Christine Russell Chester MP launched a campaign to Save The Odeon backed by The Chester Chronicle last Thursday.
She said: 'We need to make sure that there is a variety of facilities in the city and this is the only cinema people can access on foot.'
Vice Chairman of Chester Civic Trust Peter Bingham believes The Odeon is a local treasure that should be preserved because of its historic value and community worth.
He said: 'I have been struck by how many people depend on the cinema who don't have transport and who say they would have nowhere else to go if it closes.'
Mr Bingham said that he was impressed by the level of support across the age spectrum.
University students have been keen to sign, saying that there are plenty of drinking venues but there is only one cinema.
Bob Clough Parker, Chronicle columnist and incoming Chairman of the Chester Business Club, added: 'It is very important that the Odeon stays in Chesterbothas a cultural highlight in the city and as a landmark listed building.'
