One of Birmingham's most recognisable bingo halls has closed after 64 years, leaving players saddened and concerned that their community is being stripped of essential facilities.
Mecca Bingo, located near Kingstanding Circle, shut its doors on Sunday, June 7, after welcoming players since 1962. The venue, a Grade II listed former Odeon cinema dating back to 1935, had been operating at a loss and required substantial repairs.
Long-term players expressed their dismay. One man, who had been visiting since he was 16, said the hall was embedded in the community and its closure removes a lifeline for elderly residents. He said: "I've been coming here since I was 16. I'm 68 now. I'm gutted. We have so many friends here. It's a very happy place. We should have something local to us."
Another player, aged 69, added: "I have also been coming here since I was 16. There's now Wednesbury or Oldbury but unless you can drive - and none of us can drive." A third said: "You get to know people - the staff are gutted. They should have done it up and kept it for bingo - but it would probably have cost a lot of money."
Kingstanding residents have grown accustomed to seeing facilities close. The local police station shut in 2019 and became a Domino's Pizza takeaway. Blunts shoe shop in Kings Road is also set to close this month, with the family-run business citing the tough economic climate.
Mecca Bingo owner Rank Group now has only one remaining hall in Birmingham, in Acocks Green. The company said last month: "It is with a heavy heart that we are proposing the closure of our Kingstanding club. The club has not been profitable for some time and requires considerable repairs and maintenance, which make it challenging for the venue to remain in operation."
