Brian McCarthy, manaing director of Le Masurier's, who want to demolish the former Odeon cinema

The debate over the former Odeon cinema has prompted JEP columnist Paula Thelwell to reminisce and share her views on the subject.

‘Cineworld may boast the prerequisites for connoisseurs of the disaster movie genre, including huge screens, comfy seats and sound systems to shake your bones, but as a picture house it is a characterless big shed, lacking in soul and about as atmospheric as the surface of the moon. Unlike the Odeon, the Forum, the New Era or West’s it will never win the affection of the community or hold a dear place in Islanders hearts.

‘Unfortunately, nostalgia is no justification for preserving old buildings, which is why cinemas and theatres throughout the UK have been demolished. Nor is being ‘listed’ a guarantee of preservation. Delisting is not unusual as long as the historic features are catalogued and kept on file for posterity.’

• Read the full column in today’s Jersey Evening Post