Helen Hayes MP has written to the CEO of Cineworld Cinemas attacking the decision to close the West Norwood Picturehouse, The Ritzy, East Dulwich Picturehouse and all other cinemas in her constituency from Thursday 8 October, with just four days’ notice and no staff consultation. The letter highlights the local anger at this decision and its impact on the local cultural scene and the staff affected, asking the CEO to work harder to keep our local cinemas open and protect jobs. See Helen's Facebook page for reaction. See also our earlier story here.

Crystal Palace International Film Festival, which worked with the West Norwood Picturehouse to finish their interrupted 2020 festival, states:
"{the staff} have been fantastic to work with and helped your favourite film festival so much that we had to put the word out and ask if any one knows of any postions available? Especially in retail business, hospitality, catering or event and venue management. They also have professional framers, cinematographers, directors, actors and artists amongst their ranks if that could be useful as well as a couple of chefs and kitchen porters. They are all understandably a bit shaken and shocked by this sudden bombshell and financial hit so if there is anything out there do let us know and we will pass the details on to them"