 CAMPAIGNERS in Woolton have welcomed news that their historic cinema has been saved. The Woolton picture house has been under threat since it was closed and put up for sale last year. But the new owners, a consortium of south Liverpool businessmen, have promised to get the business back up and running. Paul Price, who has been appointed manager of the picture house, said: “We are very excited about the future of the cinema. “Without doubt there is a lot of local affection for the Woolton and we intent to reopen as soon as we can. “We are going to talk to those campaigners who fought to keep it going because we think they have some excellent ideas.” The art deco cinema, which will be 80 years old later this year, has been under threat since last owner David Wood died in June. Mr Wood’s widow Fleur decided she was not up to running the business and put it up for sale with a guide price of £500,000. The sale was agreed after an auction in November. Meetings with former staff as well as campaigners are scheduled to take place in the next few weeks. Mr Price added: “The owners are local to Woolton and wanted to put something back in to the community. “It is a first class community asset and, aside from the history of the building, we think there is certainly a market for a boutique cinema in Liverpool. “The interior is beautiful and really something special. “We are planning some meetings to generate ideas – we are keen to know how Mr Wood ran the business. “There is no date for reopening but it will be as soon as possible.” Glen Simpson, co-founder of the campaign, said: This is absolutely excellent news. “We are over the moon that the cinema will stay a cinema and remain in local ownership. “It has already been proven that there is huge support for the Woolton.” mikehornby@liverpoolecho.co.uk0151 472 2376 | 
