Swindon's Cineworlds are at risk of closure as the struggling chain prepares to make big cutbacks in a bid to secure its financial future.

The international chain has 751 sites across the UK, Ireland, Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Bulgaria, Romania, Israel and the US. 

Around a quarter of the multiplex operator's 100 UK cinemas will soon close their doors and axe hundreds of jobs under a new plan to save the business.

Sources told Sky News that around half a dozen of these Cineworld cinemas would begin a closure process immediately and shut for good this summer.

The broadcaster previously reported that the group will also seek renegotiated rents on around 50 other cinemas, with the remaining roughly 25 sites untouched by the process.

This follows the recent closures of Runcorn and Bristol last November due to a bankruptcy ruling in the US and Newport city centre's site never reopening after shutting due to coronavirus safety guidelines during the pandemic.

The cinema giant filed for bankruptcy protection in America in September 2022 after seeking help to pay off nearly $9 billion of debt and leases accumulated as part of an acquisition spree.

The exact sites earmarked for closure will be shared on Friday.

Swindon's Shaw Ridge site closing would be a big blow to West Swindon, while Regent Circus' multiplex closing would leave the Boom Battle Bar and Nandos as the only businesses left operating in the town centre complex.

The possible but unlikely closure of both Swindon Cineworld branches would leave the newly-opened Vue in Greenbridge as the town's only cinema.

In addition to Cineworld cinemas, the chain will also close some Picturehouse locations, which it also owns.

Last month, Picturehouse confirmed the closure of three London-based branches.

Fulham Road has already been axed with Stratford East to open its doors one last time on July 28. Bromley Picturehouse will officially close on August 1.

A statement from the cinema chain read: "Each are beloved cinemas but increasing operational costs and declining admissions at these venues have left us with no other choice."

Some of this year's summer blockbusters such as The Fall Guy and Furiosa have been less popular than expected.

Inside Out 2 has done well, and new releases like Despicable Me 4 and Deadpool & Wolverine, along with the upcoming addition to the Alien franchise, could give a much-needed boost to the box office - but by then, it may be too late to save these Cineworlds from closure.