A NEW community cinema will be opened at a former fire station.

Thousands of pounds were raised online by community interest group Arterial Culture CIC to launch Kingsway Community Cinema.

The group has been working with Essex County Council to install facilities at the former fire station, High Street, Hadleigh where fire engines used to park.

Co-founder Sue Willis, from Leigh, expressed her delight at the project coming to fruition.

She said: “There has been so much excitement and support in the community for this and we are so pleased about that.

“We are as pleased about the reaction in the community as we are with the funding.

“We are looking to show a film on a Wednesday towards the end of each month.

“The plan is to show a range of films such as big popular films and also support artists and students by showing their films as well.

She said it would be so good for Hadleigh if the cinema became a destination for film lovers all over south Essex.

Brian Hickey, 65, from Thorpe Bay, building manager of the former fire station, said he thinks this is a excellent venture.

He said: “I think that anything that is good for the community is great for Hadleigh, I know there is a lot of support in the town for this.”

The online funding page collected £6,425 and the cash will allow for the group to purchase new equipment such as a projector, upgraded sound system, cushions for chairs and more.

The community cinema will provide a service lost in the town since the Kingsway Cinema in London Road, Hadleigh closed in 1970.

Tickets are already going on sale for the novel cinema venue.

The next screening will be The Breadwinner on Wednesday, October 24.

Tickets are priced £5.

The Echo contacted Essex County Council for comment about the assistance provided but did not receive a response.

For tickets see //www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/kingsway-community-cinema-17627724316