Tuesday 3rd of November 2009
Bingo fans protest against community centre plan
Bingo fans in the north east may have to find a new home after it emerged that a local community centre is closing before its replacement opens.
The West Middlesbrough Neighbourhood Trust (WMNT) wants to close down the Whinney Banks Youth and Community Centre on Harehills Road, Middlesbrough, reports the Evening Gazette.
However, work has yet to begin on the new facility next to Whinney Banks School.
On Friday, October 30th 2009, dozens of residents staged a protest outside the trust headquarters amid fears that they'll be left without a place to enjoy activities such as bingo.
Raymond Bedford, driver of the community centre's pensioner minibus, felt the Harehills Road site should continue to offer bingo until the replacement is ready.
"Why can't we stay open?" he asked. "They're not playing for lots of money. They just do it to get out of the house."
Middlesbrough bingo fan speaks out
Cath Lockwood, 73, is one of many residents who takes part in twice-weekly bingo sessions at the existing community centre.
"The oldest is 92 years old and we have a whale of a time so it's very sad," she said.
Brian Lord, chair of the WMNT, came out to address demonstrators during the protest.
After expressing his sympathy for the resident's plight, he acknowledged that the building plans were well behind schedule.
"We were hoping the new community building would be at a more advanced stage by now, but we are where we are," he said.
Buckingham Bingo would like to point out that it operates a popular bingo club just 14 miles from the existing community centre.
Local residents who want to play a few lines are more than welcome to come along to Buckingham Bingo Peterlee on Yoden Way.
Alternatively, there are always plenty of online bingo games on offer at Bucky Bingo.
