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Residents in West London are fighting to save their local bingo hall from closure, arguing that the historic venue is a crucial place for older people to socialise and connect with one another.

Mecca BingoHayes, onUxbridge Road, has been a venue for locals since 1939 and first opened as a bingo hall all the way back in 1967. Residents were shocked to find out recently though that the hall could shutdown in just a month due to rising costs.

In reaction to the sad newsa petition has been started calling for the local council or another bingo operator to step in and save the historic hall. The petition explains: "Mecca bingo Hayes is closing down on the 26th February due to rising costs and they can’t afford to keep the building running.

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It added: "Mecca has been open since 1967 as a bingo hall and the building has stood tall since 1939. Please help save this iconic building, it’ll be sad to see it go otherwise. They’ll be a lot of our elderly community who are affected as it’s the only social time they get."

Local residents responding to the sad news were also quick to point out what an important venue the bingo hall is for them. One wrote: "I only said today I'm going to go more this year, last time I won 100 quid but they do great meals and drinks offers too."

Another added: "This is such a shame there’s always the old ladies at lunch times etc waiting for the afternoon games, and sometimes it's the only entertaining thing they have, it will be a huge shame."

"So very sad, people look forwards to getting out, especially us golden oldies, and getting to see all your friends. Will so miss it," a regular bingo player shared.

A fourth agreed, adding: "It's been there for years, the old folk need somewhere to go. Like everyone says this is their social time, can the local council help with funds? Is there no grant that can be used? Please don't take this away."

The petition already has 67 signatures. You can add your name to ithere.

John Dyson, Operations Director at Mecca Bingo said: “Regrettably, proposals to close our Hayes club are being discussed. We have begun consultation with our team and will be making an announcement once those conversations are complete.”

Will you be sad to see the hall close down? Let us know in the commentshere.

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