Derek Bibby, who represents Johnstone North, Kilbarchan and Lochwinnoch has approached Renfrewshire council officials with a view to using the newly built town hall theatre as an occasional cinema.

Johnstone once had three cinemas, the Pavilion, the George and the Globe. The first two are long gone, and the Globe now the bingo hall in the high street closed its doors to picture goers in 1964.

Cllr Bibby told the Gazette: "Cinema going is one of the most popular forms of entertainment and has been revived over the last two decades. The nearest cinema to Johnstone is the Showcase multi screen cinema at Linwood. Getting there is often difficult for those film goers who rely on public transport."

If approved, it would mean residents from surrounding villages such as Howwood, Kilbarchan and Houston would also benefit from a localised cinema experience.

"There are examples of small theatres throughout Scotland, which combine film showing are popular and attract good audiences in a more intimate setting," Cllr Bibby continued.

"These show films on a seasonal basis or on occasions such as Christmas Halloween and holiday times and I think that this would be something to take a serious look at within Johnstone. On only has to visit Glasgow Film Theatre to see films such as Its a Wonderful Life and Whisky Galore and newer films playing to full audiences.

"I think such a move would add to events already planned to be showcased at the town hall, be ideal for the superb newly built town hall theatre ,would add to Johnstone's night time economy, and give people of all ages more reason to visit the town.

"I have asked the town centre management and events team to look at this proposal as I believe it would be well received by the Johnstone public."