24-hour Bingo Hall Plan Thrown Out By Council
17 November 2025
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Emily DaltonLocal Democracy Reporting Service
A plan to turn a previous branch of NatWest bank in Surrey into a 24-hour bingo hall has actually been tossed out.
The decision by Spelthorne Borough Council recently followed an argument amongst councillors and opposition from locals who described the concept as "the final stroke" for Staines town centre.
The proposition was to convert the uninhabited listed structure's ground flooring into a 61-seat adult-only bingo hall running all the time - a relocation which designers Sunni Ed Ltd declared would bring "vigor and practicality" back to the area.
But some dissenters questioned whether the site would instead be used as "an out-and-out gaming hall".
According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, preparing documents indicated that, had the task been greenlit, the designers had intended to use for a gambling licence before opening.
As part of the licensing process, a danger evaluation would have then been carried out.
Councillor Denise Saliagopoulos called the "outrageous", saying: "We're going down a domino effect.
"Why would anyone wish to play bingo 24 hr a day?" asked Councillor Chris Bateson.
"I can't think of a couple stating at 10pm, 'Let's go and play bingo'."
Ward councillor Howard Williams stated the proposition went against regional policy created to safeguard shopping spaces in Staines town centre, while several others included that the adult-only venue would do little to support an inclusive, family-friendly space.
Its effect on issues like the Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) already in place on the High Street was likewise mentioned.
However, some did concede that bringing the building back into usage might assist generate footfall, while previous remarks on the application recommended possibly repurposing it for community advantage.
Other concepts included turning it into a post office, a cultural centre, a health and wellness center or independent shops.
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