Show respect for our lovely cinema

But as poor Jean Valjean staggered under the weight of a ship’s mast and I surreptitiously checked my pockets for a hankie in case I needed a good weep, I couldn’t believe the racket all around me.

Sweet wrappers rustling, Supersize Me cartons of popcorn being chomped. Some folk appeared to have brought an entire picnic tea with them. And over it all like a fog, the unmistakeable aroma of hot dog.

I don’t mind in the least if you think I’m a snob, but I really don’t appreciate having to endure the smell of other people’s fast food at close quarters when I’ve paid a small fortune for a ticket.

At the end of the film – beautifully sung and acted, stunningly shot but a trifle on the long side, if you ask me - I looked around as we stood up to leave and the floor was awash with discarded packaging, left for some other unfortunate soul to pick up. It was disgusting, and disrespectful to the very pleasant and helpful people who work there.

We in Salisbury are privileged to have a miraculous survival from the 15th century for a cinema, with the more recent parts designed to reflect the style of the original merchant’s hall. It needs to be treasured, not trashed.

The foyer is looking a bit tatty. Functional but unloved, I’d say. Overhead is a wonderful little gallery. Perhaps during the Arts Festival they could have people playing live music up there?

And further inside, maybe a cocktail bar, or at any rate something a touch more classy than a Woolworth’s-style pick ‘n’ mix?

At the recent consultation over the plans for the central car park and Maltings, the developers were asking people whether one of the things they’d like to see on the site was a new cinema.

My reply was: “What would happen to the old one, then? It’s a wonderful building, does a perfectly good job and wouldn’t be easily adaptable to any other use.”

I was told that my views would be noted. I wonder…

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