FOR years, there have been repeated calls for a new cinema on the outskirts of Colchester.

However, Colchester Council has consistently rejected bids to site leisure pursuits of this nature out of town, arguing it must protect the town cnetre.

The town centre’s viability, it has argued, depends on a mix of attractions including the town centre cinema.

So there is something of a contradiction with Colchester Council unveiling its own bid for a cinema and bowling alley on the outskirts of town.

It is marketing land it owns to the north of Colchester as suitable for such purposes.

Some might suggest there are double standards here.

The council argues the difference is this site is already allocated for leisure uses, located as it is next to the football stadium.

By contrast, it says land suggested for shops and a cinema at Tollgate has been allocated for employment use.

We had presumed leisure facilities and shops do employ people but what do we know?

Forgive the public if the nuances of land allocation regulations are lost on them.

Surely this also could affect the proposed Curzon cinema in Queen Street which the council boasted was a real boon to regenerating that part of town.

Cynics would claim the council cannot have one law for itself and one for other developers - well, not if it wants to retain its credibility.