PLANS for a community buy-out of Helensburgh's only cinema have been warmly welcomed in the town.

The Helensburgh branch of the Federation of Small Businesses [FSB], Helensburgh Community Council [HCC], and local MSP Jackie Baillie have all voiced their support for the idea of bringing the Tower Digital Arts Centre into community ownership.

The Advertiser reported on Thursday that a group of local volunteers - the Tower Community Buyout Steering Group - had been formed to take forward a buyout as the owner of the centre considers retiring due to "circumstances beyond his control".

A community engagement event will take place next month under the banner of 'Save the Tower' to give people the chance to find out more about the project and express their support.

Before that, though, the project team have been invited to explain more about the project to members of Helensburgh Community Council later in January.

The FSB's local representative, Helensburgh business owner Wendy Hamilton, said: “The Tower Digital Arts Centre has become an important part of Helensburgh town, providing a wonderful local venue for residents and tourists to enjoy films and events here on our doorstep, without the need to take a long trip out of town.

“It is therefore concerning to hear that its future is under threat.

Helensburgh Advertiser:

“A community buyout would ensure the venue remains at the heart of our town.

“Depending upon the terms of the purchase, [this] should be welcomed as an opportunity, especially given Helensburgh’s excellent track record of the successful community buyout of the Hub which is going from strength to strength.”

The buyout plans come after volunteers who run the centre issued an appeal to residents warning of a “shadow of uncertainty” over the facility’s future.

A community engagement event at the Tower will be held at 2pm on Saturday, February 3 so that locals can find out about the centre’s story so far and future prospects.

The event will also provide details of similar projects, a Q&A session, and a chance for individuals and groups to declare interest in, and support for, the Tower’s community-led future.

Read more: Community buy-out bid revealed for Tower Digital Arts Centre

HCC secretary Sarah Davies said: “The Helensburgh Community Council are aware of the importance of the Tower Arts Centre and Cinema to our local community.

“We will engage with the Save the Tower Group to help in any way we can.

“We have invited them to address the next Community Council meeting on January 25 at the Civic Centre at 7pm.”

Helensburgh and Lomond’s MSP, Jackie Baillie, issued a similar statement remarking on the importance of the venue.

She said: “I welcome any move which supports the future of existing local businesses and services.

“The Tower is a valuable facility for the community of Helensburgh and Lomond and beyond and every effort should be made to safeguard its future.”

Helensburgh Advertiser: (Image: Kiera Burns)(Image: Kiera Burns) (Image: Newsquest)

The UK Cinema Association has also backed the volunteers’ buyout plans - even though the Tower is not a member of the organisation.

Chief executive Phil Clapp also stated that many independent cinemas throughout the UK are facing similar issues.

He said: “Recent developments at the Tower Digital Arts Centre are a clear indication of the challenges that many smaller UK venues are currently facing but, perhaps more importantly, also the deep affection that many communities have for the local cinema.

“They recognise that as well as a place where people gather to watch films, cinemas are also important local cultural and social assets, providing a much-valued experience to people from all walks of life.

“We wish those behind these latest efforts every good wish in securing the future of what is clearly a much-loved local venue.”

Find out what's showing at the Tower at www.helensburghboxoffice.com.