I visited Chippenham cinema recently for the first time in a while – it’s probably been about six months since the last time and I was really impressed by the whole experience.

The outside and inside have been repainted. It was lovely and warm (on a wet and windy October night) the staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming.

The snack options were great. The cinema is now licensed so wine and beer is now available and the ticket prices were fantastic – only £4 per adult on a Tuesday night (£5 at other times).

I quite often hear a lot of negative comments locally about Chippenham cinema and I agree that in the past it has been a bit grim in there, but they are really making an effort now and I think it’s really important that as a community we support it and use it, otherwise it may not be there for much longer which I think would be a real shame.

What’s the point in paying petrol money to get to Bath or Swindon, paying over-inflated ticket and food prices and then having to drive home when we have a cinema that’s really trying to make a go of it locally.

I haven’t been asked to write this, nor do I have any vested interest in Chippenham cinema, I just think it’s important to support our local businesses and community.

I sometimes feel, after talking to locals and overhearing conversations in the area, that we’re all occasionally guilty of complaining and putting Chippenham down and I think if we all support our community it can only help to make Chippenham a better place to live.

I for one am definitely going back on a regular basis.

Lesley Woodman, Hawthorn Road, Chippenham.