MERSEYSIDE community cinema the Plaza in Crosby could close if it does not find funds to switch over to new technology.

Managers at the Plaza, in Crosby, have been told that they will need to replace the cinema’s dated platter reel system when it becomes obsolete next year.

Cinemas across the United Kingdom are expected to start using new digital suites to download and screen new films, from December, 2012.

Jan Dunn, the venue’s chair of trustees, said: “This is a very worrying time.”

She added: “All of the current equipment we have will not be needed next year, because films will no longer be sent out by the film companies in that way.

“They won’t use film reels.

“The latest films will just be downloaded. But the equipment which is needed to do that is very expensive, and that’s why we need people’s help.

“Films like The Hobbit will be one of the first films to be sent out in the new digital format and we won’t be able to show it with what we have.”

The cinema needs £120,000 for a digital system to furnish its three picture rooms.