Campaigners ask ‘where’s our cinema?’ in a demonstration in Prince of Wales Road last year

• IF the council’s planners can’t see the real benefits of a cinema space in Kentish Town to attract culture, energy and a welcome hub then they are suffering from tunnel vision, (Covid crisis and the rise of streaming killed cinema plan, claims developer, October 17).

Aside from the fact that independent cinemas are enjoying a real surge, they are also being welcomed with open arms by the brilliant film festivals the capital has to offer.

The British Film Institute (BFI) festival which takes place across many venues, sold out half of its tickets in the first week of going live and attracted huge names to every “red carpet”, as does the Raindance Film Festival run by the inimitable Elliot Grove.

Did the Town Hall actually speak to anyone involved with cinema and film, other than those calculating the cost of tickets per head or bum on seat? One only has to pay a visit to the Curzon cinemas to see what brilliant energy they create.

Go to the Curzon in Shaftesbury Avenue any time of day and it’s a wonderful space to work, have coffee, meet, and later watch a film if that’s your thing. The BFI bars happen to be the busiest on the South Bank at any time of day.

A cinema is not (I quote) just a “silver screen”. Its a hub, its a place to watch film, to work, host talks and other events, hold intimate music evenings, a place for schools to put on performances, it can be a cafe, bar and so much, much more.

Do the council feel a prime high street unit, with its ever-increasing leases raised by the landlord with each departing business, is really the answer; while at the same time they’re talking loudly about promoting community groups and art in Camden?

If so, they are missing the point. They are also passing up an opportunity to put the place on the map to the benefit of those businesses surrounding which complement all that local residents would like to see more of.

LYNNETTE KYME, NW3