IT'S time to put Barry back in the picture and give the town its own cinema, a town centre councillor has said.

Plaid Cymru councillor Ian Johnson has called for the the Memorial Hall to become Barry’s new cinema.

He has said that since the closure of the old Theatre Royal on Broad Street, which is now an extra care home for older people, focus moved to bringing a new multiplex cinema to Barry Island.

With those plans seemingly shelved for the time being Councillor Johnson, whose ward includes the Memo has said that the hall - which already screens children’s and art films - should be supported in showing blockbuster Hollywood films on their release.

Councillor Johnson said: “Barry is the biggest town in Wales, but since 2008 we haven’t had a cinema.

“Whenever we have asked about a new cinema coming to Barry, the council has talked about bringing a multiplex to Barry Island.

“However, planning permission for the funfair on Barry Island has now been extinguished, so there is no prospect of a new cinema in Barry in the near future.

“It is expensive to take the family to films in Cardiff, and difficult for many people because of cost and transport.

“Barry really should have its own cinema.

“Right now, the Memorial Hall is best placed to take up that role.

“It would be a new lease of life for Barry if the Memo was to be our new cinema – at least until we can bring a multiplex to Barry.”