Number’s up for bingo hall, with loss of 18 jobs
MEMBERS SAD, BUT BRANCH HAD BEEN TRADING AT A LOSS
STAFF and members say they have been left devastated after Beacon Bingo announced its decision to shut its Loughborough branch.
Eighteen people were made redundant at the Baxter Gate bingo hall following the closure on March 11, due to “significant trading losses”.
A former employee, who worked in the industry for over 20 years, said: “It is sad that the Beacon is closing. Bingo halls are a place of community for many older people, who find great friendship and fun in bingo halls.
“With so many elderly having been so alone for the past year, this will be a real blow for them.
“Bingo is not just about gambling, it is a safe place to meet friends, have a meal and pass an afternoon when you live alone.” A Beacon Bingo spokesman said: “We are saddened to confirm that our Bingo Club in Loughborough has closed its doors.
“We have such a loyal following of customers that our teams have built close relationships with over the years.
“Along with our teams, there will be many within the community that will be sad to hear this news.
“The present team have shown great dedication and resilience throughout the pandemic and had continued to deliver a great service to our customers during the period we were able to open.
“However, despite these efforts, overall the club has continued to make significant trading losses for the past few years.”
While the news came as a shock to members, the spokesman said: “The closure was announced internally on February 22 and each member of staff received individual consultations to air any concerns.”
Club member Yiota Vorrias, 46, said: “It was an escape from staying at home and was a bonus when you got a win. We loved Beacon Bingo as the staff were all friendly and knew all the customers.
“I loved how it got young and old members through the doors, who then became friends.
“We’re sad to hear of the closure, not only for staff losing their jobs but will miss the laughs with the girls as we’d have a good giggle and would even have dinner there to make a night of it.”
The firm said: “A number of our customers who hold funds on their account will be able to get this money refunded.
“Customers will be contacted in due course with additional information added to Beacon Loughborough’s Facebook page with how to claim these funds back.”