An iconic fixture in Letchworth town centre is set to close on two days a week to save money during the ongoing cost of living crisis.

Broadway Cinema and Theatre in Letchworth will be reducing the number of days it opens to the public.

The independent, art-deco cinema on Eastcheap has been open seven days a week - but from Monday, January 30, it will be closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Graham Fisher, chief executive of the Foundation, said: "As one of our core charitable objectives, we're committed to improving the recreation and leisure offer in Letchworth, and running Broadway Cinema & Theatre is a key part of that commitment.

"That includes the Foundation making a large financial subsidy of some £500,000 this year that enables the cinema to operate.

"Due to the increases in operational costs, and the changes in customer behaviour due to the pandemic and the rising cost of living, this subsidy has tripled in the last three years.

"The programme of changes that we're making enables us to bring this cost down and to spend money more equitably across our charitable objectives, and to focus our funds and efforts on enhancing the overall cinema offer.

"On behalf of the cinema team, and the whole of the Foundation, thank you for your continued support of this wonderful local venue.

"We're proud to be custodians of such a treasure and look forward to welcoming our regular and new customers to the cinema throughout 2023 and beyond."

Increased costs means the cinema faces higher bills, including heating, which will see ticket prices rise by £1 - even if weekend Kids Club tickets will remain at £1.75.

The board of trustees at the Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation are aiming to develop a brand new boutique cinema in one of the cinema auditoria.

More details will be available from the Heritage Foundation in due course.