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[Dan]

£1 Million for new Scala
Source: The Visitor

ONE of the biggest ever funding contributions from a town council looks set  to breathe life into an under-threat cinema development. At  a private meeting last week, Prestatyn councillors unanimously pledged  to contribute up to £1 million from the town's coffers towards the  beleaguered Scala project.
However,  the move depends on whether Denbighshire County Council, at a crucial  meeting on November 21, choose to support the £3.4 million scheme. If  they decide to scrap plans for the facility, then £1.5 million in  Assembly grants could be lost. Other sources will be targetted for the  remainder required.
"It's an  absolutely huge contribution," said Prestatyn town clerk Nigel Acott.  "Having said that, it does spark a bit of a renaissance in the role of  the town council, as it shows we are willing to invest amounts like  that."
He revealed the money would come from a  loan taken out either through the public works board or from a bank,  offset by the town's assets, which include four community centres.
The authority already has around £100,000 saved, but will need to fund the rest primarily through its council tax precept."It is definitely the biggest contribution I know of in Wales, certainly for this type of development," said Mr Acott."But  it depends on what happens at this meeting on November 21. Denbighshire  will decide whether they will support the scheme, and, if so, determine  how much they are going to put towards it." Friends of the Scala chairwoman Sandra Pitt was delighted by the news.
"We  are not greedy – we were all happy with the Scala we had before, it was  the council who wanted to elaborate on it," she said. "All the people  wanted – and still want – is a facility for the town."
Mayor  Sharon Frobisher added: "Whilst many people may have concerns about the  potential impact on council tax, the sums amount to less than 17p per  week per household.
"In return  they will have a tremendous multi-purpose community facility with  digital cinema, meeting rooms, cafe, theatre and display area."