ANDOVER'S Savoy cinema is facing closure once again. When Luminar Leisure, the owners of the cinema, reopened the Savoy back in December 1998 they issued a stark warning to townsfolk that they would 'pull the plug if it trades in the red'.

Now the Luton-based company, which does not specialise in cinemas, has issued a statement which suggests dark clouds are gathering over the silver screen once more.

"Luminar Leisure Limited can confirm that they have commenced a consultation with staff at the Savoy Cinema," said com-pany spokeswoman Rachel De Buriatte, in a press statement.

"It has been explained to the staff we are reviewing this business as it is possible that the cinema may close.

Luminar is talking to each staff member to identify potential alternative employment sources within the Luminar Estate.

"Luminar can confirm that the Savoy Cinema is currently operating below expectations as it feels the pressure from the new multi-screen cinema complexes, which are nearby to Andover."

More information will be made available when the review has reached its conclusion. Back in 1998 the company said it was offering the town the chance to keep the cinema. If people wanted to keep it they should 'grab it with both hands and make it work'.

At the forefront of the campaign to retain the cinema was its 39- year-old manager Terry Smith who has worked there for eight years.

He persuaded company bosses to reopen the Savoy by putting forward what, at the time, was described as a 'very, very strong case' but he felt unable to comment on the current proposals.