IT may be a case of lights, camera and no action over ambitious plans to form a new state-of-the art cinema in Cirencester.

And Government agencies are being blamed for putting the scheme under threat after taking an astounding 18 months to consider a funding application.

Cotswold District Council is planning an ambitious £1.8 million redevelopment of the town's historic Corn Hall.

The scheme includes the provision of a two-screen cinema with the latest high-tec lighting and acoustics.

The authority has already set aside £1 million towards the project and cinema operator Mainline Pictures would also help with funding.

But an application for £600,000 to Arts Council England (ACE) a year-and-a-half ago for a chunk of a £15 million fund, has still to be decided.

And CDC's head of cultural services Mags Mernagh says the delay could bring the curtain down on the entire project.

She said: "I think the project is seriously under threat. The money was set aside but it doesn't mean they (CDC) will still have it.

"There are new members (councillors) with new priorities, so who knows what will happen.

"We've had no news (from ACE). It's been a long time and it's not through lack of trying.

"For everyone involved it's a very frustrating situation. I'd like some clarity one way or the other.

"People want a cinema and we may not be able to provide one. It's a real shame for Cirencester."

Councillors have already approved the plans, which include the provision of a ground floor market and first floor performance hall.

One cinema screen would be built at the far end of the hall and a second erected in the area of the present bar.

The facility, complete with cafe bar nearby, would be able to seat 320 viewers, and there would be a new entrance hall at the back, providing access from Cricklade Street.

The cinema would be open seven days a week with afternoon and evening showings - screening both popular films and independent productions.

The £15 million pot, which CDC is applying for a share of, is currently being passed over to the UK Film Council.

A Film Council spokesman said the delay was partly down to the handover and that changes will be made to the way it is distributed.

She said: " Discussions are going on between the organisations. It's unfortunate the council (CDC) has waited this long for an answer."

The Corn Hall fears are the latest in a string of disappointments for film-goers in the area.

The town's Regal cinema, which is due to be demolished to make way for housing, is already living on borrowed time.

If the Corn Hall proposals fall through, cinema fans will be forced to travel to either Swindon or Cheltenham to watch their silver screen heroes.