RUSHDEN'S only cinema is to close next month with the owners blaming the recession, illegal pirate videos and changing leisure habits.

The Palace Company, of Northampton, which owns the Rushden Ritz, plans to use the building mainly as a bingo hall.

In 1982

At present films are shown on two evenings and there is also a late night show. Bingo sessions are already held on the remaining days.

Spokesman for the company Mr Melvyn Conroy said he understood there would be "no change of circumstances" for staff.

"In fact the bingo session need more staff, if anything, than the cinema — but this is entirely a matter for individual managers."

The screen and projection equipment are to be retained and it is hoped to be able to present children's shows during the school holidays, subject to availability from distributors.

Local stage groups will also be able to continue using the building. A pantomime is planned for the New Year and an operatic society has booked the building for next year's show.

Mr Conroy said the move to end regular film shows had been forced by economic considerations.

"It is a sad sign of the times. The Midlands' area in particular seems to be more depressed as far as cinema audiences are concerned than, for example, the South.

"In a town like Rushden there is just not the demand. The Ritz is a very large building and expensive to maintain. The heating bill is astronomic and we have to consider the return on capital.

"We are coming to the beginning of the heating season and, it is sad to say, but towns of Rushden's size are not able to support a cinema.

"The reasons are complex and involved and there is not a simple answer to the question. It is a combination of a lot of factors.

"Video films — particularly the illegal, pirate ones — are partly to blame together with the general effects of the recession and the fact that people's leisure patterns and habits have changed."

The shows will end after the afternoon matinee performance of Annie on September 18.