Chain with 49 UK branches faces ‘difficult decisions’ on closures | UK | News

A popular bingo hall in Somerset’s county center is facing closure. Mecca Bingo’s Taunton branch is among two locations in the South West the operator plans to close; because both are nearing the end of their leases and need “significant maintenance”.

Its prime location on Corporation Street occupies the former Gaumont Theatre, which was converted into the Odeon Cinema before being converted into a bingo facility in the 1960s. A spokesman for Mecca said “difficult decisions” were being weighed to “ensure we have a structure of sustainable, vibrant community clubs”.

Its branch in Exeter, Devon, similarly faces the same prospect after it was judged to be no longer “commercially viable”.

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

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

“We are currently consulting with affected colleagues and will provide advice to our team and customers once a final decision is reached early next month.”

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