ELLESMERE Port's Vue cinema will not be reopening its doors until July 31 at the earliest.

The cinema chain had intended to start reopening on July 10 but says the "worldwide rescheduling of the release dates of Mulan and Tenet has prompted us to review our opening dates".

Instead the company will now begin a phased reopening of venues in the UK, including its cinema at The Coliseum, from July 31.

It said in a statement: "Having taken comprehensive steps to safeguard our staff and customers, Vue is ready to welcome back customers to its UK cinemas to enjoy the escapism of the big screen experience.

"We know from successfully reopening cinemas across Europe - including some 70 sites in Germany, Denmark, Holland, Lithuania, Poland and Italy - that audiences after lockdown are itching to enjoy the big screen experience again, with the added reassurance of rigorous new operating protocols and appropriate physical distancing.

"We also want to offer a great choice of content for the big screen experience and, despite having many classic films and recent releases lined up to whet the appetite of cinema audiences this summer, the worldwide rescheduling of the release dates of Mulan and Tenet has prompted us to review our opening dates.

"Under this revised plan, we will begin a phased reopening of our cinemas in the UK from July 31 rather than July 10.

"From the moment we reopen, customers will be met with a host of quality classics including the 10th anniversary edition of Chris Nolan's Inception and George Lucas's Empire Strikes Back, as well as popular event cinema such as National Theatre Live's critically acclaimed Fleabag.

"This line-up will be complemented by the eagerly awaited launch of major new titles such as Tenet and Mulan, which are now due in mid-August.

"Cinema has gone from strength to strength in recent years and, after a record start to 2020, we are committed to bringing back the cinema experience as quickly and safely as possible."

Vue's announcement comes as Showcase cinemas and 10 Odeon cinemas around England plan to open their doors from July 4 onwards.