24-hour Bingo Hall Plan Thrown Out By Council

17 November 2025
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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 choice by Spelthorne Borough Council last week followed an argument among councillors and opposition from residents who explained the idea as "the last straw" for Staines town centre.


The proposal was to convert the uninhabited listed structure's ground floor into a 61-seat adult-only bingo hall operating all the time - a relocation which developers Sunni Ed Ltd declared would bring "vigor and viability" back to the location.


But some dissenters questioned whether the site would instead be used as "an out-and-out betting hall".


According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, preparing documents showed that, had actually the job been greenlit, the developers had meant to request a gambling licence before opening.


As part of the licensing procedure, a risk evaluation would have then been performed.


Councillor Denise Saliagopoulos called the strategy "outrageous", stating: "We're going down a slippery slope.


"Why would anyone desire to play bingo 24 hours a day?" asked Councillor Chris Bateson.


"I can't picture a couple stating at 10pm, 'Let's go and play bingo'."


Ward councillor Howard Williams stated the proposal broke regional policy designed to safeguard shopping spaces in Staines town centre, while a number of others added that the adult-only venue would do little to support an inclusive, family-friendly area.


Its impact on problems like the general public Space Protection Order (PSPO) already in place on the High Street was likewise pointed out.


However, some did concede that bringing the building back into usage could help produce step, while previous discuss the application recommended perhaps repurposing it for neighborhood advantage.


Other ideas included turning it into a post office, a cultural centre, a health and health and wellbeing center or independent stores.


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