AN INDEPENDENT cinema is under threat of closure due to water damage caused by the ‘Beast from the East’.

At the start of this year, much of the UK was left gripped by snow and ice as the mercury dropped well below 0 degrees.

The freezing weather system caused chaos on the country’s roads and infrastructure. And unbeknownst to its owners, the first cinema in Blaenau Ffestiniog for 40 years was also damaged.

The icy blast caused havoc for the plumbing in CellB, based in the town’s old police station with many original features still in place.

A leak which was not discovered for many months developed into dry rot, a fungus which threatens the very future of the organisation.

CellB operator Rhys Roberts is now hoping to raise £10,000 to save the cultural institution after it became clear that insurance would not pay out.

“Last winter the Beast from the East brought a severe cold spell to the mountains of Ffestiniog which caused a burst in the cinema heating system behind the cinema screen which went undetected,” he explained to the Cambrian News.

“Over time the leak infected the original 1900s woodwork and created dry rot in the cinema space.

“The insurance company claim was rejected as actually dry rot was not covered peril under this policy!

“We have battled forth and from with the insures for over a year and they have now withdrawn and totally rejected all claims and will not pay out any money.

“For the past year we have kept at it showing films for the community but due to the recent insurance withdrawal financially this has now placed the company in a precarious position.

“With current losses during the closure and monies owed out to pay the cinema works and distributors of £10,000 we can not afford to show more films and with out films we have lost the main aspect of our income generation."

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