Cineworld closures ‘actually shocking’, say readers, while others see current films as ‘scum’

Readers have reacted with sadness but not much surprise to the announcement that Cineworld is closing six branches, including two in Leicestershire. The company said at the weekend that its Hinckley and Loughborough cinemas will close this summer.

Commenting on LeicestershireLive’s story about the ad, one reader said: “I’m surprised the cinema is still a thing – exorbitant prices, mostly rubbish looks, do very little when people are disruptive and it’s generally a successful experience.” .

Another said: “Overextension and huge debt are the main reasons they are struggling now. and streaming services make it a much cheaper option than the cinema to see the latest films.” A third added: “With the slag given by Disney etc, no wonder.”

READ MORE: Cinemas in Hinckley and Loughborough to close, Cineworld announces

There was particular concern for Hinckley, where Cineworld is the only cinema. The nearest alternatives are in Leicester or just south of Nuneaton. One person said: “This is really shocking news for the people of Hinckley.

“The nearest cinemas are Meridian or Bermuda Park Nuneaton. The former has no direct bus connection from Hinckley or Earl Shilton and the Nuneaton option requires two buses and a walk if you don’t have a car. Is this really the 21st century?

Another was equally worried. They said: “So get rid of the only thing left which isn’t a pub or a hair salon or a charity shop? Is there even a reason to come to Hinckley anymore?”

Cinemas have suffered recently from the pandemic and the rise of big-name, big-budget films going straight to streaming services rather than showing in theaters. One reader said: “The same studios that make the movies run their own streaming services.

“Obviously the lockdown has hit a lot of places. Having said that, Loughborough is a big town so hopefully another chain or the council can keep it running as an arthouse cinema along with showing popular releases.”

Another person, commenting on the LeicestershireLive Facebook page, expressed concern about Loughborough. They said: “It’s a shame. Another nail in the coffin for Loughborough – soon there will be no reason to go there.”

However, another reader pointed out that Loughborough also has an Odeon in the town centre: “The Odeon cinema in Loughborough was fine on its own.” Another added: “It was pointless putting another cinema in Loughborough when we already had one.”