Councillors at the Levenmouth area committee approved the funding last Wednesday whilst heaping praise on the volunteer-led Leven Community Cinema Group which is in the process of transforming the former Gala Bingo hall on Commercial Road into its pe
rmanent home.
The cash from the local community planning section of the area budget means the ambitious and hugely popular project is another step closer to its grand opening which has been pushed back to early next month.
An "ecstatic" Frank Walker, chairman of the group, said: "We are absolutely delighted to be awarded this grant from Fife Council.
"The £20,000 means we don't have to worry about our money lasting for the next 12 months as well as having some extra that will allow us to bring newer films to Leven than we have been able to show in the past.
"It also means we can also concentrate on funding in order to replace or repair things in the building because although we plan to open in early March there will still be a lot to do once we accrue more funds.
"On behalf of Leven Community Cinema I would like to thank Fife Council for all its help and support with our venture."
Levenmouth chair, Councillor David Alexander, speaking at Wednesday's meeting at Carberry House, Leven, described the cinema as a "community hub".
He said: "This is a huge, huge project and the biggest community project I can ever remember to happen in Levenmouth.
"Dozens of people are involved and I would urge anyone to go down even if it is just to do some painting."
Levenmouth MSP Tricia Marwick also expressed her delight and praised everyone involved in assisting the project, including readers of the Mail.
Mrs Marwick said: "This is fantastic news and I am thrilled that the council continues to support this wonderful project.
"The old Regent building is looking wonderful and is getting into shape for the return of cinema and it has been so pleasing to see the number of volunteers come down to offer any help and assistance they can."
lThe cinema is now looking for more cinema chairs, anyone who has access to or hears of any which are available is asked to contact Frank Walker on 07809 120 042 or e-mail info@levencommunitycinema.co.uk.
