Mr Rendel attacked Conservatives for opposing the use of a subsidy, and asking for a scheme in Lower Way to be reconsidered.

He said: "I am delighted at this news.

"Opponents of this cinema, who claimed that the taxpayer would end up supporting the project, have been proved wrong.

"The negativity and opportunism of the Conservatives have been trumped by the hard work of the Council and local campaigners, who have delivered both a cinema and value for money for residents."

The Liberal Democrat MP recently signed a parliamentary motion “regretting” the spread of multiplexes across the country, and calling for more non-American films to be shown.

Operator Apollo Cinemas will bank up to £500,000 if Liberal Democrats agree next week to hand over the profits from the multi-storey car park to the operator.

Meanwhile, West Berkshire Council is spending £100,000 of taxpayers’ money on installing a pay-on-foot parking system later this month.