Blackpool MP Shows Bingo Support

Two bingo halls in the Blackpool area have been forced to close down this year.

Labour MP Joan Humble recently visited a bingo hall in Blackpool, an area which has seen two of its numbers game clubs shut down this year.

Ms Humble, who represents the Blackpool North and Fleetwood constituency, said she was "saddened" by the recent closures and remains committed to supporting the industry, the Blackpool Gazette reports.

She told the newspaper: "I wanted to take the opportunity to hear how the challenges facing the bingo industry are affecting businesses.

"We need to do all we can to protect the remaining clubs."

The MP was given a tour of the Mecca Bingo venue in Talbot Road by manager Mike Travis, who said she was "always welcome" at the club.

Fleetwood's Top Ten Barney's Bingo club and the Orion Bingo hall in Cleveleys both closed earlier this year after struggling to remain profitable.

Campaigners claim that the Treasury's decision to increase bingo duty from 15 per cent to 22 per cent earlier this year could be fatal for many operators.

The Bingo Association has launched a campaign, which includes a petition on the Downing Street website, to keep bingo tax at 15 per cent.