A town's only cinema which faces closure could thrive with some 'tender loving care' according to an expert's report.

Owners of the Regent in Wantage want to redevelop the building as a block of eight one-bedroom flats because they believe the theatre is no longer a profitable business.

But a report on its viability commissioned by planners at the Vale of White Horse District Council who are considering the change says there are still ' a good few years left ' in the cinema.

The report from John Sullivan, a specialist cinema and leisure consultant, said that in the UK there was a particular loyalty to local cinemas, and Wantage would keep its customers in the face of growing competition if it received some tender loving care.

He said the 110-seat cinema in Newbury Street was clean and well kept, but was showing its age and needed updating. Investment in a facelift would bring immediate returns and retain audiences.

The cinema owner has said the business has been losing money for five years.

The plans to redevelop the property for residential use brought outcry from film goers, local businesses and town councillors.

Petitions have been launched by film fans and local businesses in the Market Place who say the cinema is important, partly to keep people coming into the town at night.

Bob Langton, representing cinema owner Susan Kirwin, said people in Wantage should stop 'carping' about the possible loss of the theatre and instead consider setting up one of their own at the Civic Hall.