THE closure of Yate’s Cineworld has been raised in Parliament.

It comes as the cinema chain shut down its branch in the town on Sunday, October 13 as part of a restructuring scheme.

Thornbury and Yate MP Claire Young spoke about the closure and the business rates system during Business of the House of Commons on Thursday, October 24.

Ms Young said: “When the Cineworld in Yate opened in 2015, it was a big day for the town and came as a result of years of campaigning by former MP Steve Webb. 

“Sadly, the cinema has recently closed its doors. 

“It is one of the many cinemas across the country unable to keep up with rising costs. 

“A key burden facing those businesses is the business rates system, which leaves them paying more than they can afford. 

“Will the Leader of the House agree to a debate in Government time on the need to reform business rates, and on how a new system could benefit local cinemas?”

In reply, leader of the House of Commons Lucy Powell said: “I am sorry to hear about the closure of Cineworld in the hon. Lady’s constituency. 

“We will have several days of debate on the Budget, starting next week, and I am very confident that business rates will be high on the agenda in those debates, as they always are.”