Bingo hall closure is 'end of an era', say regulars

Bingo veterans Valerie Cartwright, left, and Shirley Percival described the closure of Buzz Bingo in Worthing as a 'very sad day'

Bingo regulars have described the closure of their favourite social spot as the "end of an era".

Buzz Bingo in Worthing, West Sussex, is closing for good on 25 January and could be turned into flats.

The Plaza building where it operates first opened in 1933 and was a theatre and cinema has been used as a bingo hall since the 1970s.

Cayuga Developments said it has submitted a plan for 47 flats, six houses and two commercial units which it hopes will be complete in two years if planning is approved.

Speaking to BBC Radio Sussex, regular players at the Buzz Bingo in Rowlands Road said it is a hub for them to socialise.

"It's a very sad day that it's going to close, I used to come here when I was a kid to go to the cinema and then it was a cinema," said Shirley Percival, who has been going for more than 20 years.

"We all have a coffee and chat, a lot of people come because it's nice and warm and something to do when you're on your own. It's company as well. I've been going donkey's years."

The site where Buzz Bingo operates used to be a cinema and theatre

Valerie Cartwright, another regular, said: "I have been coming here for 28 years since I moved to Worthing. It's where we all get together.

"Because I've been playing bingo for so long, it's the end of an era for me.

"I have got the choice of going to Brighton but it's such a hassle to get there from here. We come once a week and have a lovely laugh."

Worthing resident Mark Warrington said: "People from all walks of life go, my wife's aunties all came here.

"Every time something like this happens, where are people going to go? I think it's a great shame."

Matt Hoad, director at Cayuga Developments, said: "Cayuga have submitted plans for the comprehensive redevelopment of the Plaza site which is currently being considered by the Worthing planning department.

"The existing buildings are extremely derelict with structural issues and widespread contamination and therefore unviable to retain in their current state.

"Cayuga acquired the site with a lease in place to the Buzz Bingo group who have made the business decision to vacate the buildings and terminate their lease early."

Stevie Shaves, chief operating officer of Buzz Bingo, said: "After being informed by our landlord of their plans to redevelop the Worthing Club site into apartments and houses, we have made the difficult decision to permanently close our doors.

"We want to reiterate that this closure is not a reflection of the hard work and dedication of our team.

"These decisions are never easy, and we want to ensure our colleagues are supported during this transition. We will actively explore redeployment options, offering transfers to other clubs whenever possible, and providing ongoing support throughout the process."