24-hour Bingo Hall Plan Thrown Away By Council
17 November 2025
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Emily DaltonLocal Democracy Reporting Service
A strategy to turn a previous branch of NatWest bank in Surrey into a 24-hour bingo hall has actually been tossed out.
The decision by Spelthorne Borough Council last week followed an argument among councillors and opposition from residents who explained the idea as "the final stroke" for Staines town centre.
The proposal was to convert the uninhabited listed structure's ground flooring into a 61-seat adult-only bingo hall running around the clock - a relocation which developers Sunni Ed Ltd declared would bring "vigor and practicality" back to the location.
But some dissenters questioned whether the would rather be utilized as "an out-and-out gaming hall".
According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, planning files indicated that, had the task been greenlit, the designers had actually intended to use for a betting licence before opening.
As part of the licensing procedure, a threat assessment would have then been brought out.
Councillor Denise Saliagopoulos called the strategy "outrageous", saying: "We're decreasing a slippery slope.
"Why would anyone wish to play bingo 24 hours a day?" asked Councillor Chris Bateson.
"I can't picture a couple saying at 10pm, 'Let's go and play bingo'."
Ward councillor Howard Williams said the proposal went against regional policy created to safeguard shopping areas in Staines town centre, while numerous others included that the adult-only venue would do little to support an inclusive, family-friendly space.
Its impact on issues like the general public Space Protection Order (PSPO) currently in location on the High Street was likewise discussed.
However, some did concede that bringing the structure back into use might help create tramp, while previous discuss the application recommended possibly repurposing it for neighborhood advantage.
Other ideas included turning it into a post office, a cultural centre, a health and wellbeing hub or independent stores.
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