Recorder readers have said they are "absolutely gutted" after a town centre cinema announced it was closing permanently.

Premiere Cinemas, in the Mercury Shopping Centre, said its goodbyes on Tuesday (August 20), thanking Romford "for all of your support" over its 12 years.

People commenting on social media say the closure is a "real shame", as the cinema had "affordable prices" and "friendly staff".

Adam Grace said that he was "absolutely gutted" to hear the news.

In a Facebook post, he said: "I use that cinema regularly.

"Great value, lovely staff and it shows films that are not always on in other cinemas.

"A massive loss to the town."

Another frequent cinema-goer, David Back, also said he was "gutted" to find out about the closure, as he went to Premiere Cinemas "many times" with his family. 

Others said they were "very sad" to see it go, and that its "such as shame" that it closed.

Premiere Cinemas was seized by its landlord Rank Group Gaming Division on August 16.

On August 20, it put out a statement on social media, officially announcing the closure.

The statement said: "We are sorry to announce that Premiere Cinemas has closed.

"Thank you Romford for all of your support over the last 12 years."

The cinema announced its closure on Tuesday (August 20)The cinema announced its closure on August 20 (Image: Mercury Shopping Centre)

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Kermit Ford said on social media: "Such a shame, a brilliant cinema and they did a great job at dropping prices in the area."

Lauryn Cooper shared that she "remember[s] going there with friends" when she was in school in 2013, while another resident says she remembers when it first opened, as it was the same time her first daughter was born.

Readers also speculated on the future of the premises, after Spencer Hawken, the centre manager at the Mercury, said he does not think it "will end up empty for long".

He said: "I don't suspect it will be a building that will end up empty for long, because it's a full, operational, working cinema.

"So for any cinema chain it would be an easy acquisition."

Matthew Wood said on Facebook: "Sad to see a cinema closing, however I'm looking forward to seeing if another one would take its place."