As the formulation of a Neighbourhood Plan for Caterham, Whyteleafe and Chaldon draws nearer, members of the CR3 Forum who have been conducting the research for the plan have found that a strong desire for a cinema is feeding through from the public.

Sarah Burningham, chair of the leisure and community working group of the CR3 Forum said that although a cinema would be an ambitious plan for the area, with the advent of digital cinema it is something which is much more possible now than ever before.

Sarah said: "Ideas for the redevelopment of Soper Hall as a community leisure hub, including space for classes, a new library and community café have already been conceived and this sort of development could be the perfect partner for a digital cinema. Another possible location for a cinema might be the Rose and Young site in Croydon Road, Caterham."

A digital cinema within a community hub of this kind could show a wide variety of films from blockbusters to children's films, art house to foreign language, whilst also widening the local cultural experience by linking up with live performances of theatre, ballet and opera.

An example of this working well is that of the Kino Cinema in Hawkhurst in Kent (www.kinodigital.co.uk).

Other issues which have emerged so far in the area of leisure, culture and community include a need for further amenities in Whyteleafe.

With the advent of considerable new development in the area, the research has also revealed a shortage of allotments in both the Caterham Valley and Whyteleafe areas as well as an urgent need for cemetery spaces over the CR3 area.

There will be an opportunity for local residents to have their say about these matters and to raise new ideas at the public consultation event planned for Saturday 5th October from 2pm-5pm in The Soper Hall, Harestone Valley Road, Caterham. Members from the different work groups representing Housing, Business and Employment, Leisure and Community, Health and Education, Transport, Urban Design and Heritage, and Utilities will be on hand to answer questions.

For more information contact Sarah Burningham at sarahjburningham@btinternet. com or telephone 01883 346247.