THE transformation of Abergavenny's long-awaited cinema is going well, with plans for a Spring opening still on track.

Already the former Drill Hall has been gutted and the main inside dividing wall put in place. The two screen cinema is taking shape and owners Peter and Irene Davies say they are very excited with the progress.

We exclusively revealed in April that after years of false hopes and disappointment Abergavenny was to finally get a cinema. Mr and Mrs Davies, owners of the successful Coliseum Cinema in Brecon and the Palace Theatre in Haverfordwest, were at the forefront of the drive to open the cinema and have done so out of their own pockets and with no financial help from the Government.

Today the temporary signs are already up and there is a buzz in the community.

"People are getting excited now. They can see the work and progress and it's nice to get some good news for the town," said Mr Davies.

"It's great that we can see it taking shape before our eyes and Bill Owen and his team have been great. Very professional. We want people to see that it is going to happen and they will be able to watch films in town. We did want film fans to watch the first Harry Potter in Abergavenny but, although we couldn't provide that, they will see the next one out next year," said Mrs Davies.

Although the pair have thought of a name for the cinema - they are staying tight lipped until it's official opening.

"We would like to hear opinions on the cinema - maybe through the Postbag pages of The Abergavenny Chronicle," added Mrs Davies.

A website devoted to the cinema is set to go live this week where you can track the progress of the works and look at pictures. Visit http://www.abergavennycinema.co.uk">www.abergavennycinema.co.uk.