Top News

A popular bingo hall in the centre of Somerset's county town faces potential closure. The Taunton branch of Mecca Bingo is amongst two locations in the South West that the operator is contemplating shutting down, as both approach the conclusion of their lease arrangements and need "significant maintenance".

Its prominent position on Corporation Street sits within the former Gaumont Theatre, which transformed into the Odeon Cinema in the 1960s before its conversion to a bingo establishment. A spokesperson for Mecca stated "difficult decisions" are being weighed up to ultimately "ensure we have a sustainable estate of vibrant community clubs".

Its branch in Exeter in Devon also confronts the same possibility after similarly being judged no longer "commercially viable".

Mecca is in discussions with staff members impacted by the proposed closures, with a final decision on the future of both sites anticipated to be reached in early June.

In an official statement, a Mecca Bingo spokesperson said: "The proposed closures relate to venues that have not been commercially viable for some time.

"Our leases on both Exeter and Taunton are reaching an end and both venues require significant maintenance, which makes it challenging for them to remain open.

"These are difficult decisions, but we are working hard to ensure we have a sustainable estate of vibrant community clubs.

"We are currently in consultation with affected colleagues and will advise our team and our customers once a final decision is reached early next month."

The Mecca Bingo brand is run by Rank Group which operates 49 bingo venues across the UK.