A PETITION has been launched to support the creation of a community space in the building that used to host the Odeon Cinema.

Jim Woods, who lives in Weston, launched the petition last week hoping to turn the building into a community space to host theatre groups and other live performances.

Mr Woods said: “It is about making it [the building] into a community space and have an independent cinema, or partly independent, but making it more of a community space for theatre groups and performances. The idea is to have more than just a cinema.

“I’ve been running this project for a week but the petition is only one side of it. This is more about getting the community behind the idea.

“I am looking at more concrete plans to check how this could work. The community is keen on the project.

“It is still quite vague but there is potential.”

So far the petition has been signed by more than 400 people and can be found online here.

Odeon announced the closure of the cinema in May.

In an email written to members, a spokesperson from the cinema chain writes: "We are sorry to announce that, following a thorough assessment of all available options, we have made the very difficult decision to close ODEON Weston-super-Mare on June 5, as it is no longer viable to operate the cinema.

"Looking after our people is our number one priority and we are looking to secure jobs for as many team members as possible in one of our other local cinemas.

"We would like to thank you for choosing ODEON Weston Super Mare to enjoy the magic of cinema and we hope that you'll continue to be our guest at ODEON Taunton, or any other of our cinemas across the UK and Ireland."