24-hour Bingo Hall Plan Thrown Away By Council

17 November 2025
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Emily DaltonLocal Democracy Reporting Service


A plan to turn a former branch of NatWest bank in Surrey into a 24-hour bingo hall has actually been tossed out.


The choice by Spelthorne Borough Council recently followed a dispute among councillors and opposition from citizens who described the concept as "the final stroke" for Staines town centre.


The proposal was to transform the uninhabited noted structure's ground floor into a 61-seat adult-only bingo hall running around the clock - a move which designers Sunni Ed Ltd claimed would bring "vitality and practicality" back to the location.


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


According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, preparing files indicated that, had the project been greenlit, the developers had planned to make an application for a gambling licence before opening.


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


Councillor Denise Saliagopoulos called the "outrageous", saying: "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 imagine a couple saying at 10pm, 'Let's go and play bingo'."


Ward councillor Howard Williams said the proposition broke regional policy created to safeguard shopping areas in Staines town centre, while a number of others included that the adult-only place would do little to support an inclusive, family-friendly area.


Its effect on concerns like the Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) already in location on the High Street was also mentioned.


However, some did concede that bringing the building back into usage might help produce tramp, while previous comments on the application suggested potentially repurposing it for community benefit.


Other ideas consisted of turning it into a post office, a cultural centre, a health and wellness center or independent stores.


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