A NEW cinema for Glenrothes has been on top of the community's "wish list" for some time.
However the Gazette revealed earlier this year as part of its campaign for a Town Centre Management Group, that no large cinema chain had plans to open up in the town.
Now, along with community stalwart, David Nelson, Tricia Marwick MSP is embarki
ng on a project that could see the projectors rolling again.
The pair are joining forces to start up a community cinema initiative - similar to one currently run from a church hall by Leven Community Council - so that townsfolk don't have to travel to Dunfermline or Dundee.
Mrs Marwick told the Gazette: "Since the cinema shut down, people have been saying we need a cinema. When you speak to people about what's missing from the town, it's always the same answer. So, if the commercial companies won't come and do it for the local people, then we have to do it ourselves.
"I have seen the community cinema in Leven - it works and there is no reason why it wouldn't work in Glenrothes.
"We need the community's support for the project to make it a reality and a success."
The concept would see a team of volunteers run the cinema, which would show recently released films.
The venue is yet to be decided, and Mr Nelson and Mrs Marwick are exploring different possibilities, but it is likely to be around the town centre.
Mrs Marwick explained: "We're looking at different options at the moment and we have had exploratory talks with the owner of the former cinema.
"Things are at an early stage and it would depend on whether using this site would be financially viable. But whatever happens, there is going to be a community cinema somewhere in Glenrothes for the people of Glenrothes and all the surrounding areas."
But Mr Nelson said none of it will be possible without help and support from the public.
He added: "This is for the whole town and the surrounding villages, but we need volunteers to come forward and help us. We've got a good opportunity to make this work, but we just need the backing of the people.
"We'd be looking at having films once a week to start with I think, perhaps on a Saturday with a matinee for the kids and families and then another film in the evening. We're going to be organising a public meeting for anyone interested in offering their time to help out in the next few weeks."
Mrs Marwick added: "We're going to need a whole range of people to make this work, from ushers and ticket sellers to those responsible for looking after the films and handing out the popcorn."
