A CAMPAIGN to save Brynmawr's Market Hall Cinema from closure has attracted more supporters to show the strength of opposition to the local authority's proposals.

Brynmawr Town Council has already fired warning shots at the Blaenau Gwent authority to reconsider its plans after it earmarked the facility for closure as part of the measures to save a £3.9 million budget deficit.

And now Nantyglo and Blaina Town Council have also joined the campaign to fight the closure of the cinema in Brynmawr along with the leisure centre in Nantyglo.

Angry residents have also vented their concerns on a new Facebook page, which has over 1,200 followers opposing its closure.

Nick Smith, MP for Blaenau Gwent said it would be detrimental to the community of Blaenau Gwent to close either facility.

He added, "Local people are concerned about this news, so I've written to the Chief Executive of Blaenau Gwent Council and I've asked for important data about usage, exactly what the council is proposing, how the finances are stacking up and alternative uses.

"These are some of the key questions which constituents have brought to me."

A spokeswoman for the Blaenau Gwent Council explained that the authority's funding from the Welsh Government for the new financial year is much lower than anticipated.

She added, "The council has outlined schools and front line social services as its main priorities. This means that all other services will have to meet much higher savings targets.

"A range of options is being considered and no decisions have been made on anything."

The issue is due to be debated by Blaenau Gwent Council as part of the authority's budget proposals on March 6.