A proposed bingo hall at an empty Barclays Bank on a High Street in Surrey have drawn hundreds of objections from local residents. Some claim the bingo hall will bring down the tone of the area, while others claim it will encourage antisocial behaviour and gambling.  

Over 200 letters of objection have been submitted to Surrey County Council from residents concerned that the bingo hall would have a detrimental effect on the town. The council has turned down previous applications for an adult gaming centre and 24-hour slots at the empty bank on Ashford High Street.   

Economic Growth and Younger Audiences 

Bingo halls may have had a history of association with old ladies in the past, but today’s bingo halls are not so much thick markers, raincoats, and shopping trolleys but entertainment centres complete with bars and restaurants and lively nights out, which include dancing and more. 

In essence, bingo halls are making a comeback and according to some, they offer a sense of community and shared experiences. 

The revival has been said to be attributed to several factors, ranging from nostalgia and social interaction to innovative business strategies and the influence of online bingo games. 

Despite the demise of the traditional bingo halls, which used to be housed in grand old buildings, there is a new wave of bingo sweeping the nation and it is appealing to the young and old alike whilst creating much-needed jobs and repurposing of the rapidly deteriorating high streets across the UK.  

Golden Slots (Southern) Ltd stated that the repurposing of the empty bank into a bingo hall will “add to the vitality and viability of the town centre by trading seven days a week.” The plans include 50 seats in total in the bingo hall. The area already has several retail outlets, including a betting shop, tanning studio, café, and fish and chip shop.  

The planning application is due to be decided upon by September 24th.