Regarding the proposal to convert the Queens Hall in Minehead into a three or four screen cinema (free Press August 10), the would-be purchaser Pat Scott says: “I am a lover of cinema and old buildings. When I saw the Queens Hall I thought it was beautiful and I really wanted it.”

He goes on to say: “I don’t like to see them ripped out.”

The Queens Hall is an Edwardian theatre built around 1912 and it still has its original proscenium arch, stage, circle and a beautiful gilt ornate ceiling. I’m amazed it’s not a grade two listed building.

How can anybody put a three or four screen cinema into an Edwardian theatre without ripping the interior out? Impossible.

There is also in place a covenant issued a few years ago by the Regal Cinema banning the showing of films at the Queens.

The Regal Film Society recently installed digital projection equipment and a new cinema screen costing several thousands of pounds, not only for the normal film club screenings but also for live link-up films, opera and ballets etc.

Mr Scott shows these live link-up films in at least one of his cinemas, and if he did the same in Minehead this would damage the screenings at the Regal should the ban on films be lifted.

I wonder how Mr Scott thinks a multi-screen cinema on the seafront would pay. Thinking back to John Welch keeping the two screens at the Regal going for several years single-handed, in the end he gave up.

Also, think how many times has the Queens has been flooded with sea water coming in during the winter storms.

A lot to be considered.

Colin Croxford, Tehidy Park.