NO action will be taken against a Blackwood councillor after he criticised plans for a council-funded cinema in Bargoed.
Labour councillor Nigel Dix said a Maxime cinema opening this summer in Blackwood meant another was not needed and it could end up lying disused – with the taxpayer paying £310,000 a year if things go wrong.
Caerphilly council has pledged to build a £6.9 million cinema as part of Bargoed town centre’s regeneration, which will be leased to Odeon for 10 years. Cllr Dix claimed the council planned to take out a £4 million loan and that revenue from the lease would not cover the 20-year repayments.
Cllr Dix said he had originally approved the Bargoed cinema but felt differently now a new cinema had opened in Blackwood – “a mile and a half away as the crow flies.”
He said earlier this month: “It will be in direct competition. The market has already provided a solution.
“My argument is I haven’t broken any rules – I’m just informing the public. If a member of the public had sat in the meeting they could have heard everything. It will be up to my colleagues whether to support me or not – it’s a matter of principle for me.”
He had been called to face the ruling Labour group on Wednesday to discuss any potential disciplinary action. But he told the Argus yesterday: “It was decided that no action be taken against me, I would like to thank the Labour group for their support.”
Gez Kirby, for Caerphilly Labour, did not comment.
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