Residents have been getting in touch with Jo Platt, to ask what the future has in store for the former site of Cineworld in Leigh – and to ask about the validity of rumours that have been circulating online. Jo Platt has been looking into this on behalf of her constituents.

Jo Platt, the MP for Leigh and Atherton, said: “Like many of you I’m keen to see a cultural offer return to the site and will continue to pursue a broader range of creative, sporting and cultural activities for residents across the Leigh and Atherton constituency.

“Having written to the Council about the site on The Loom, I have had it confirmed that ‘…the planning services at the Council have not been approached, either formally or informally via pre-application discussions, by a new tenant or operator for the site.’ They have also stated: ‘…without prejudice of a full assessment should any proposals be forthcoming, planning approval may not be required if the site was to remain in use as a cinema; a ‘cinema’ has a Sui Generis Planning Use Class, which, and again without prejudice of a full assessment, would generally mean that any different ‘use’ of the property would require planning approval’.

“I’m continuing to make enquiries and when I know more I’ll be sure to let residents know.”