A multiplex cinema in Wisbech will open with six instead of eight screens because two are underground and have flooded.

Cambs Times: Steve Barclay MP visiting the new cinema the light on the Cromwell Rd Retail Park in Wisbech. With Anthony Oxley (site manager of G.F.Holdings)Steve Barclay MP visiting the new cinema the light on the Cromwell Rd Retail Park in Wisbech. With Anthony Oxley (site manager of G.F.Holdings) (Image: Archant)

The Light Cinema, part of the Tesco Extra complex in Cromwell Road, opens next Friday in time for half term but due to a flood problem not have all eight screens in use until the summer.

A cinema spokesman said: “There are two screens underground - they’re flooded but only because the builders haven’t got in yet.

“It’s right next to the river and the water table is high there.”

The spokesman said contractors had concentrated on getting the second floor done.

“They have tank water systems that are going to be in place to make sure it doesn’t flood but it does require a lot more building work,” he said. “The two screens will be open by summer.”

The eight-screen cinema will create 47 jobs, with the majority of people hired from the Wisbech area.

The project has been 11 years in the planning and is being undertaken by cinema company The Light, which also has a cinema in New Brighton in the Wirral.

General manager Phil Dove said: “We are excited about being in Wisbech. It is a great opportunity for us because this town has a lot of potential. We hope to give a boost to its night time economy.

“There’s a generation of people who are not going to the cinema and a generation of older people who have stopped going.

“Our aim is to encourage people back to have an enjoyable night out.”

The cinema will hold events such as a kids club, holiday club, fancy dress screenings and autistic-friendly screenings.

Some films will be shown with Polish subtitles.