ABC cinemas closure

ABC cinemas plan to sell off 25 cinemas from its chain of more than 80 traditional-style cinemas.

ABC bought these cinemas from Virgin two years ago after it, in turn, purchased them from MGM-Cannon.

Although ABC is expanding into the multiplex sector, the traditional cinemas have struggled.

ABC management have said that their cinemas are up for sale, or in four cases, in line for immediate closure. This includes the prestigious Shaftsbury Avenue cinema.

BECTU official Tom Bell said: "This is a matter if serious concern. Staff at these cinemas have had literally years of instability and worry as a result of the constant sale of their cinemas over their heads. Now it appears their continued loyalty to the chain is to be repaid with redundancy." He urges any members who need advice or information to contact him at BECTU Head Office.