24-hour Bingo Hall Plan Tossed Out 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 hall has been tossed out.
The choice by Spelthorne Borough Council last week followed a dispute amongst councillors and opposition from residents who described the idea as "the last straw" for Staines town centre.
The proposition was to transform the vacant noted structure's ground floor into a 61-seat adult-only bingo hall operating all the time - a relocation which designers Sunni Ed Ltd claimed would bring "vitality and viability" back to the location.
But some dissenters questioned whether the site would rather be used as "an out-and-out gambling hall".
According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, preparing files suggested that, had the job been greenlit, the designers had meant to obtain a gaming licence before opening.
As part of the licensing procedure, a danger assessment would have then been carried out.
Councillor Denise Saliagopoulos called the strategy "outrageous", stating: "We're decreasing a slippery slope.
"Why would anyone wish 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 stated the proposition broke regional policy created to protect shopping spaces in Staines town centre, while several others added that the adult-only location would do little to support an inclusive, family-friendly space.
Its result on issues like the general public Space Protection Order (PSPO) already in place on the High Street was likewise discussed.
However, some did yield that bringing the structure back into usage might assist generate footfall, while previous remarks on the application recommended potentially repurposing it for neighborhood benefit.
Other ideas included turning it into a post workplace, a cultural centre, a health and health and wellbeing hub or independent shops.
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