The man behind
a new cinema in Whitstable says he wants to "recreate the
experience" lost when the town's last picturehouse closed.

Radio producer Simon Poole is launching a new
community cinema at the Horsebridge Centre next month.

The 145-seat Whitstable Electric Theatre
Company will be the first in the town since the Imperial Oyster
Cinema closed in 2003.

Mr Poole said: "It was such a shame for the
town when the cinema closed. It was so enjoyable to walk to the
cinema, enjoy a beer, watch a film and amble home.

"We want to recreate that experience and the
Horsebridge is providing very enthusiastic support."

The new cinema – which will show releases six
weeks behind mainstream venues – will start with monthly
screenings, but may increase showings if there's enough demand.

Bosses are also thinking of holding a horror
night to honour the town's links to the genre.

But its first screening will be slightly less
scary, with Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides lined
up for the opening night on September 9.

Mr Poole, who lives in the town, said:
"We want to cater for everyone in the community. Once we can judge
the demand by asking film goers what they want, we will do our best
to accommodate a wide range of tastes.

"We hope Whitstable's residents will support
us. We have on board some committed members but we are asking for
volunteers to join us. In particular, we need an accountant to step
in as treasurer, website design help and people to join our
committee."

Tickets for the first screening cost £5 and
can be booked at the Horsebridge by calling 01227 281174.

You can follow the development of the cinema on Twitter at @whitselectric or on Facebook at facebook.com/WhitstableElectricTheatre.