Chorley cinema boss urges film lovers to enjoy the attraction's experience in safety

The Market Walk extension attraction operated by Reel Cinema - the UKs leading independent cinema operator - was not only looking froward to a merry and profitable festive season, but a long and successful future in the town, too.

However, no one saw the storm clouds of COVID-19 looming and the devastating affect the coronavirus would have on our economy.

Within just a couple of months of the launch, the cinema was swept into lockdown and, like businesses around the country, facing uncertainty.

Now though, the light is flickering at the end of the tunnel for the cinema, signalling a way forward out of the gloom.

Bob Marsland, general manager at Chorley, this week urged folk to get out and enjoy the cinema's experience, stressing that a whole range of health and safety measures are in place to protect folk.

Bob, 31, who is Chorley born and bred, said: "We've been open since July 24 and we just want to let people know what we're doing."

His message comes as Christopher Nolan's COVID-19-dealyed action-packed spy film comes to the cinema next Wednesday August 26.

Bob outlined the range of precautions that have been put in place at the cinema.

These include:

* Floor markings around the building.

* An usher downstairs at the main entrance where you can purchase tickets on a tablet so you don't have to come into contact with other people.

* Face mask wearing instructions, with or without food.

* Hand sanitizers around the building.

* Regular santising of areas such as door handles and hand rails.

*Social distancing.

* Pre bookings using an ATM on site, which also allows ou to buy tickets 10 minutes after the start of film time.

"When wearing face masks was put into place on August 8 we had a few more people come to the cinema," said Bob.

"But recently that's dropped off

"We've seen a slight increase on the last two weeks this week, which is very positive. We're seeing a slight increase on a daily basis."

Cinema tickets start at £6.20, with VIP lounge tickets at £9,50.

A ticket with food and drink costs £15 per person and £27 for two people. You get a personal usher providing drinks and a goodie bag,

Like many other things pre virus, the cinema experience has changed as we enter the so called new normal, at leats for the time being.

"Speaking to my boss, it could take up to a year to get the cinema industry back to the way it was," said Bob, who worked for McDonald's for more than 12 years before taking on his current job.

"We're positive about the outcome - it will come to an end. October could be a good point, seeing the start of an increase in people.

"Nobody wants to come to the cinema when the sun's shining and we're just waiting for new films to be released."

Reel Cinemas operate a six-screen multiplex at Chorley

​The cinema benefits from five “Premiere” auditoria (two with around 150 seats and three further screens with between 50 and 100 seats each) which offer supreme comfort and legroom.

The sixth, 40-seater screen is Reel Chorley’s “VIP” screen which will also feature the all-inclusive ticket and food offer and reclining seats.