BARRY'S closure-threatened cinema has gained the support of the Welsh Assembly Government Minister for Heritage - who made a surprise visit to the town on Tuesday.

Rhodri Glyn Thomas AM, interrupting a busy schedule, accepted an invite from South Wales Central AM Chris Franks to drop in to the Theatre Royal, Barry.

He said: "I came here to listen to what Chris Franks AM and councillors had to tell me.

"I sincerely hope that the cinema can remain open and continue to serve the people of Barry."

Vale based AM Chris Franks said he was delighted the Minister was able to see the cinema.

He added: "We were very impressed with the commitment of the staff.

"I explained to Rhodri that the town's people are up in arms about the possible loss of this important family friendly cinema.

"The last thing Barry needs is another anonymous block of flats."

Cadw inspectors spent more than an hour looking at the Edwardian building earlier in the day and are expected to announce their findings within the next fortnight.

Meanwhile, some Assembly ministers and council leaders have already ruled out the possibility of any financial assistance in the fight to retain the venue.

Both the Vale and Town councils say they will address any future planning applications on merit.

Assembly Member Alun Cairns insisted, while public money could not be ploughed into the scheme, the key issue was to show the owners any plans for change of use for the site would not be tolerated.

He said: "The Local Authority could block plans for residential flats on the basis of a loss of a community facility.

"This will force the owners to make best use of what they have got and to keep the cinema open.

"The cinema is viable and has been making money over recent times.

"If it comes to the worst case scenario and we can't change the owners' mind, I am determined to help the people who work at the Cinema and those small businesses that also make use of the premises."

Vale AM Jane Hutt urged people to write to the Vale Council's Planning Officer in response to the Draft Local Development Plan, currently out for consultation.

Letters should call for the Theatre Royal to be retained as a leisure amenity, at the heart of Barry, as part of the town centre and Waterfront development.

She added: "These will all play an important part in securing the Cinema and site in the Local Development Plan.

"The Save Our Cinema Campaign is backed by many local people and if we follow every avenue through CADW, planning, civic and community backing I do believe we can win this campaign."

Vale of Glamorgan Council leader Cllr Margaret Alexander said she and fellow Buttrills ward councillor Stuart Egan were supportive of actions to try and save the Theatre Royal Cinema, and delighted and encouraged by the overwhelmingly positive response from the vast majority of townspeople.

She said: "The council has been in touch with Cadw about the possibility of this unique building being listed, and consideration is being given by the council to its inclusion in our own list of County Treasures.

"There has been very real concern about the lack of information from the landlord, and efforts are being made to arrange a meeting so that he can be invited to clarify his intentions for the site.

"Unfortunately, the council is not in a position to commit any financial resources towards a possible purchase of the building, and its retention as a cinema, but is offering advice on a range of issues, including the drawing up of a possible business plan.

"The consideration of any planning application for the site would, of course, need to be dealt with by the council through its normal procedures and that would include the opportunity for the public to offer their views."

Town Council leader, Cllr Theo Stenstrom said: "Barry Town Council cannot support any commercial venture, as it would not be feasible to commit taxpayers' money."

However, the Town Council passed a motion on February 4 to support the retention of Barry Theatre Royal.

Letters objecting to a change of use for the cinema should be sent to the LDP Team, Vale of Glamorgan Council, Dock Office, Barry Docks CF63 4RT.

Deadline for receipt of letters is noon on Wednesday, February 27.

Anyone wanting the Theatre Royal to be included on the list of County Treasures should email planningandtransport@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk

Theatre Royal staff and campaigners are planning to hold a Ring of Support at 10.30am on St David's Day when they hope schoolchildren from across the town will join them in traditional Welsh dress in linking hands around the cinema before viewing a children's movie.