The future of Coalville's Cinema in the Park is in the balance due to North West Leicestershire District Council reducing spending on events.

Cinema in the Park has proved a success over the past two years, with large crowds coming to Coalville Park in the summer to watch classic movies in the open air.

But Tuesday's meeting of the district council's Coalville Special Expenses Party was told that the event may not happen this year - and had been 'removed' from the calendar.

Head of Economic Regeneration, Paul Wheatley, told councillors that the town intends to mark King Charles' Coronation - but said that not all events would be going ahead.

Mr Wheatley was asked by Cllr Michael Wyatt, if Cinema in the Park would be happening, and said: "The appendix refers to the removal of a budget reserve in relation to Cinema in the Park.

"Does that mean Cinema in the Park is not going to happen?"

Mr Wheatley replied: "The intention would be not to run Cinema in the Park in the new financial year.

"We would look at having a budget for one significant event, the Coronation and the Christmas lights and Christmas event.

"The income Cinema in the Park brought in was £14,000."

Councillors heard that event cost £41,000 to put on, with £26,000 picked up by the Coalville Special Expenses Working Party,

Income was £14,000 - the total net cost was £27,000.

Councillors were told that there is a budget for Cinema in the Park, but it is a reserve sum that would have to be brought forward from future years - as the council are looking to balance the books.

Cllr Wyatt added when asked why the catering charges were low, that the stallholders said they would go elsewhere if costs were to be increased.

Mr Wheatley said: "When we had the discussion about the events programme, we wanted the councillors to say which events they wanted to go ahead.

"Coalville By The Sea was one that we didn't think you felt was an important as others."

Cllr Wyatt added: "The feedback from people was that Cinema in the Park was a great event and they felt they would be prepared to pay a little more for it.

"I'm disappointed to see that it's been removed.

"I think a lot of people are going to be disappointed that it's not going to go ahead."

But Mr Wheatley responded: "You're jumping ahead a little bit.

"If, out of the available budget for events, you chose as a working party to find the money for Cinema in the Park - you could have Cinema in the Park.

"The reality of it though is that there will be a set amount of money and decisions will need to be made about which events can run.

"It's not going to be possible to run all of the events we have in previous years.

"Last year, the general fund subsidised the event to the tune of £11,000.

"But that money does not exist in the budget for the new financial year. Therefore, the full cost would fall on Coalville Specials."