Bridget says 'Don't close Essex Road bingo'

1.59.00am GMT Wed 7th Mar 2007

Lib Dem campaigner Bridget Fox has this week written to national bosses of Mecca Bingo (part of the Rank Organisation) calling on them to think again about closing Essex Road bingo.

Instead of rushing to close the popular venue, Bridget wants them to

• wait until they see how the smoking ban works out in practice

• sell it as a 'going concern' to someone who does

• consider running bingo nights at another Islington venue.

Bridget says "It's very sad to read that Rank want to close Mecca bingo on Essex Road. I've enjoyed visiting in the past and it's always been a well-loved local institution.

"There's a bad trend in what?s happening to bingo. The government is encouraging 'super-casinos' instead, and the bingo firms are promoting 'online bingo' over the internet. But that's all about the companies & the taxman making money. It's nothing to do with the socialising & fun which is at the heart of traditional bingo.

Bridget Fox at Mecca Bingo

"There are a lot of loyal bingo customers in Islington: Rank should show some loyalty too, not just walk away."