OKEHAMPTON film lovers can expect a third screen and brand new toilets to be installed at the New Carlton Cinema in the very near future, bosses have confirmed.

Merlin Cinemas, the company which owns the cinema on Market Street, submitted a planning application last year for a third screen and alterations to the current toilet layout in the Charter Hall foyer.

After gaining support from Okehampton Town Council and the approval from planning authority West Devon Borough Council, Merlin Cinemas has put plans into motion and ordered the seats for the new screen.

Geoff Greeves, on behalf of Merlin Cinemas, said: ‘Most of the plans are in place and we will begin work in the near future. We are just currently resolving some design issues with the toilet facilities.

‘Our architect is working on plans to provide the cinema and Charter Hall with its own toilets, however in such a small space, figuring out the precise design has been tricky.

‘As of yet we do not have the exact time scale of the project but plans are very much in motion and works will begin soon.’

‘Plans for the new screen are set and we have ordered the new seats!’

Merlin Cinemas had recently completed ten years of trading in Okehampton. Mr Greeves said that the company had recognised a huge demand for more film screenings, hence the plans for an additional screen.

The upstairs area of the cinema, currently a bar, will be turned into a small luxury third screen that will be able to satisfy this demand for more films.

At a recent town council meeting, the plans for the new screen were discussed as well as the refurbishment to the toilets, situated in the foyer between the cinema and town hall.

The council has supported the plans, however is looking to liaise with cinema bosses about construction work.

Town clerk Paul Snell said: ‘The council is looking to arrange a meeting with the cinema’s architect so that we can plan proposed works with as little inconvenience to Charter Hall users as possible but no schedule for works has been set as yet.’