24-hour Bingo Hall Plan Thrown Away By Council
17 November 2025
ShareSave
Emily DaltonLocal Democracy Reporting Service
A strategy to turn a former branch of NatWest bank in Surrey into a 24-hour bingo hall has been tossed out.
The choice by Spelthorne Borough Council recently followed a dispute amongst councillors and opposition from residents who explained the concept as "the last straw" for Staines town centre.
The proposal was to transform the vacant listed building's ground floor into a 61-seat adult-only bingo hall operating all the time - a relocation which developers Sunni Ed Ltd claimed would bring "vitality and practicality" back to the area.
But some dissenters questioned whether the site would rather be utilized as "an out-and-out gaming hall".
According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, preparing files suggested that, had actually the project been greenlit, the developers had actually to look for a gaming licence before opening.
As part of the licensing process, a danger evaluation would have then been performed.
Councillor Denise Saliagopoulos called the strategy "outrageous", saying: "We're going down a slippery slope.
"Why would anybody wish to play bingo 24 hr a day?" asked Councillor Chris Bateson.
"I can't think of a couple saying at 10pm, 'Let's go and play bingo'."
Ward councillor Howard Williams said the proposal broke regional policy created to protect shopping areas in Staines town centre, while several others included that the adult-only place would do little to support an inclusive, family-friendly space.
Its effect on concerns like the general public Space Protection Order (PSPO) currently in place on the High Street was likewise discussed.
However, some did yield that bringing the building back into use might assist create step, while previous discuss the application recommended potentially repurposing it for community advantage.
Other ideas included turning it into a post office, a cultural centre, a health and wellbeing hub or independent stores.
Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook, on X. Send your story concepts to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.