17 November 2025
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Emily DaltonLocal Democracy Reporting Service
A plan to turn a previous branch of NatWest bank in Surrey into a 24-hour bingo hall has actually been tossed out.
The choice by Spelthorne Borough Council recently followed a dispute amongst councillors and opposition from residents who described the idea as "the last straw" for Staines town centre.
The proposal was to convert the vacant listed building's ground flooring into a 61-seat adult-only bingo hall operating all the time - a move which developers Sunni Ed Ltd claimed would bring "vitality and viability" back to the area.
But some dissenters questioned whether the site would rather be used as "an out-and-out betting hall".
According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, planning files indicated that, had actually the project been greenlit, the developers had planned to obtain a gambling licence before opening.
As part of the licensing process, a threat assessment would have then been performed.
Councillor Denise Saliagopoulos called the strategy "outrageous", saying: "We're going down a slippery slope.
"Why would anybody desire to play bingo 24 hr a day?" asked Councillor Chris Bateson.
"I can't think of a couple stating at 10pm, 'Let's go and play bingo'."
Ward councillor Howard Williams said the proposition broke regional policy developed to secure shopping areas in Staines town centre, while numerous others added that the adult-only location would do little to support an inclusive, family-friendly space.
Its result on problems like the general public Space Protection Order (PSPO) already in location on the High Street was likewise mentioned.
However, some did yield that bringing the building back into use might assist produce footfall, while previous discuss the application suggested possibly repurposing it for neighborhood advantage.
Other concepts included turning it into a post office, a cultural centre, a health and wellness hub or independent stores.
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