RESIDENTS have reacted to the news that Weston's ODEON Cinema will be shutting its doors this June.

Members received an email from the cinema, saying: "We are sorry to announce that, following a thorough assessment of all available options, we have made the very difficult decision to close ODEON Weston-super-Mare on June 5, as it is no longer viable to operate the cinema.

"Looking after our people is our number one priority and we are looking to secure jobs for as many team members as possible in one of our other local cinemas.

"We would like to thank you for choosing ODEON Weston-super-Mare to enjoy the magic of cinema and we hope that you'll continue to be our guest at ODEON Taunton, or any other of our cinemas across the UK and Ireland."

Many residents voiced their take on the closure. One local said: "Brought it on itself by increasing its prices and never being open! Real shame as I’ve always enjoyed my visits there and used to go regularly until they decided to stay shut half the time. I feel sorry for the staff."

Another added: "Sign of the times. Unbelievable."

One individual said: "The Beatles played there! I hope it’s maintained independently and used for the arts."

Meanwhile, there were many commenters that had their say on what they would do with the empty building. Someone suggested: "I think it would make a perfect museum as it has lots of history to tell. They could still do Organ concerts I absolutely loved serving the ice-creams in the interval. I think with a bit of lottery funding it could turn it into something really special.

"We need to keep some heritage and history in Weston otherwise there will be nothing left."

Someone else said: "Hopefully a new owner could keep it as a cinema to show independent and old films on the big screen that people never got the chance to, like the original Star Wars trilogy, The Godfather, Bond etc, and maybe convert one of the screening rooms into a restaurant/coffee shop."

Another said: "Wouldn't it make a good place for a Primark?"

The Weston Mercury have contacted ODEON Cinema to learn more.