Questions have been raised over whether or not a 1930s art deco cinema ravaged by fire will ever be restored to its former glory.

Readers have contacted us asking about the Regent Cinema in Lyme Regis.

The building was destroyed by fire in March 2016, when part of the town was closed off and people were warned to stay inside due to asbestos in the building.

Firefighters worked non-stop to prevent the flames spreading to nearby buildings. Owners Scott Cinemas, which has since partnered with WTW Cinemas, pledged at the time that the 1930s art deco building would be rebuilt 'to its former glory'.

Lyme resident Roger Bidinell said: “Those of us who live as residents of Lyme Regis were proud that it had a cinema which operated very day. It is now a very long time since the fire and as a community we have missed, and are still missing, the facility and being able to gout to the cinema in our own town. It was a real pleasure for individuals and families.”

WTW-Scott Cinemas say work is continuing behind the scenes to rebuild the cinema and that, contrary to rumours, the company has not sold the site.

A spokesman for the company said: "The WTW-Scott Cinema group is still actively engaged in a potential rebuild scheme for the Lyme Regis cinema. We're currently working on our fourth set of design proposals, from which we need to reach the point where the rebuild scheme is both financially and architecturally viable.

“At present, we have not consulted with local authorities as there is little point is wasting everybody's time presenting a scheme design that isn't viable. New build cinemas are architecturally very complicated, and the Lyme Regis venue being a listed building presents challenges to overcome, all of which add significantly to any build schedule. Once we have a viable, workable scheme, we look forward to working with the local authority and Historic England to progress this.

“Contrary to rumours, we haven't sold the site and Scott Cinemas recent partnership with WTW Cinemas has only helped solidify our design aspirations for Lyme Regis, and our continued expansion in the South West."