CONCERNS have been raised that one of the few daytime social activities for older people has been taken away after a cinema cancelled its early afternoon showings.

Richard Lord, of Witney, was left frustrated when his local Cineworld stopped showing films on a regular basis in the 11am to 1pm slot.

He has also noticed that the chain's cinema is Didcot has recently made the same change.

The 60-year-old previously went to the showings four-to-six times a month and has an 'unlimited' card allowing him to watch as many films as he likes.

He said: "I could go and see the films my family did not want to see.

"And I could get home in time to get the tea on so it was perfect for me.

"The showings were cancelled with no explanation or fanfare, it felt a bit underhand."

The father-of-two is concerned that older people will be left with an even smaller choice of daytime activities because of the changes.

He said: "There was always a reasonable number of people and I was always one of the youngest.

"This area has an ageing population, it's full of the sort of people you would think they should be targeting to see these films.

"Most older people don't like to go out at night so the films provided something for them to do and get out the house during the day.

"It was one of the few options and it's now been taken away. "

The constriction in showings is also leading to a lack of choice, according to Mr Lord.

He says that frequently the only option now is to watch the big blockbusters and he has to sit through trailers for films that aren't even being shown in the area.

The retired Royal Mail manager is now considering cancelling his unlimited card when it comes up for renewal and is worried for the future of the cinema if it loses one of its key audiences.

Victoria Newark, a spokeswoman for Cineworld, said: “At Cineworld, we do our best to cater to all ages and needs.

"We provide a broad range of films and regularly review our opening times to ensure we meet the preferences of our audience.

"We are sorry that some customers are disappointed by slightly changed opening times at Cineworld Didcot and Cineworld Witney, but please be advised we are still open early on weekends, holidays and during our busier periods with big releases. ”