HUNDREDS of people have expressed their thoughts on the news that Cineworld at Tower Park will close from Thursday, October 8.

This comes after the cinema giant confirmed its plans to temporarily close its cinemas following the decision made by James Bond studios MGM and Universal to delay the release of the franchise’s latest film.

More than 300 comments have been made on the Daily Echo’s Facebook page reacting to the announcement, with many readers detailing their differing views on the matter.

Some deemed the decision as expected, while others considered the decision as "very sad."

One commenter said: "Cinema is an experience that you can't get from streaming and watching on TV at home. I hope that they will eventually be able to reopen."

Another reader drew upon the wider impact this decision will have.

They said: "This is not just about the closure of the cinema and the loss of some local jobs at that venue, it is far wider reaching. Without the cinema people won’t eat pre or post a film, therefore the restaurants (those still going) will suffer and there will be further job losses."

One reader said: "It’s sad that a cinema chain as had to shut down until the blockbuster films start to come again."

However, many commenters were not surprised by the decision, highlighting factors that prevented them from visiting Cineworld.

One commenter wrote: "Cineworld is very expensive and just not affordable anymore."

Another added: "It's always been a treat to go to the cinema, ever since I was a kid. Problem is, prices have gone up and up, the concessions are ridiculously overpriced, and it makes it a very expensive treat."

Some readers shared ideas on how the cinema could increase profits during these unprecedented times.

A reader said: "They really have missed a trick here. The amount of random venues getting loads of money from "drive in" movie nights. They should have at least given things a go and tried to do something different like classic film nights at half price or something."

This thought was echoed by a commenter who said: "Why don't they show older films and charge less? I'm sure that is better than having it empty."

One commenter thinks that it was only a matter of time before a closure (albeit a temporary one) would occur.

They said: "The cinema industry was due to die out eventually, what with mega online streaming platforms such as Netflix, Amazon and more. Who wants to pay nearly £15 a ticket when you can watch something from the comfort of your own home?"

This thought was emphasised by another reader, who said: "Cinemas were on borrowed time anyway."

Cineworld and Picturehouse sites in the UK did not specify how many jobs are at risk in the UK; however, on Sunday, the PA news agency understood that 5,500 would be hit.

The majority of commenters agreed on the difficulty this decision would cause those employed by the company.

One reader said: "My thoughts are with everyone that is affected by this."

Another commented: "Such a shame four all those who have lost their job."