There have been twists, turns and false dawns dating back to August 2007 when a petition was first launched through the Mail to bring the movies back to town for the first time in 30 years.

The latest development is a public meeting scheduled for Monday at The Angel Hotel in High Street, Harborough.

It has been called by cinema campaigners as a result of former cinema site – latterley the home of Kwik Save – coming back on to the market.

London-based owners Alislane were unmoved by the campaign’s 8,000-name petition and it pursued a planning application to build retirement flats and a shop there, which it finally received in September 2008 after two years of negotiations.

But last week it was announced Alislane was pulling out of the scheme due to the credit crunch and putting the site up for sale or rent.

Alastair Campbell, a PR expert from Harborough who has been helping drive the cinema campaign, said: “After 18 months, there have been various highs and lows in trying to bring a cinema back to the town.

“This meeting is for anybody interested in learning what has been going on behind-the-scenes. We will also be seeking ideas and suggestions on where we can go next following recent developments.”

Australian businessman John Sullivan, owner of The Light digital cinema firm, is still interested in running a six-screen cinema but, he said last week, is not in a position to develop the site.

The overall scheme would include a partnership with South Leicestershire College who are interested in running a media centre at the site. A restaurant is also mooted in the plans.

Loughborough-based firm Real Cinemas are also interested in operating a cinema at the site, as is businessman John Merryweather who runs a cinema in Melton.

But developers and financiers are now being sought who are willing to invest cash to get the project off the ground.

Anyone interested is urged to attend Monday’s meeting. Doors open at 6pm with the meeting due to start at 6.30pm.

All ages welcome.