The photograph which accompanied the letter from P James (Letters, February 20) showed not the Astoria cinema but the demolition of the Imperial Theatre in North Street.

This beautiful theatre which, prior to the arrival of the Gardner Arts Centre, was the most modern in Brighton, was opened by Jack Buchanan in 1940.

It later became a cinema under the unattractive name of the Essoldo and then a bingo hall. Its last use was as an entertainment centre called Jumping Jacks.

I paid a visit there in its last days and was saddened to discover how the magnificent interior had been desecrated. Even the stage had been converted into a ten-pin bowling alley.

Many Brightonians deplored its demolition and the ghastly blocks which replaced it.

The Astoria is in Gloucester Place, its last occupants, Gala Bingo, having moved to purpose-built premises in Eastern Road.

There was excitement when it was announced it was to be reopened as a stage and film theatre. Since then, there has been a deafening silence and it remains derelict. Does anyone know who owns it and what is to become of it?

-Peter Bailey, Brighton