Number is up for bingo hall

The UK's biggest bingo operator Gala Coral said the club in Anchor Road was one of five it planned to close, putting around 300 jobs at risk nationwide.

The firm said it is looking to make savings and would begin consultation with staff tomorrow.

It is not known how many jobs are under threat at Aldridge and workers refused to comment today. The company has blamed the tough economic climate as well as a bingo duty hike in April's Budget.

Halls have also been hit hard by the smoking ban, which was blamed for forcing the closure of Mecca Bingo in Wolverhampton in 2007. Other clubs at risk are in Hull, Glasgow, Fife and Essex.

An announcement was due to be made to staff and regulars in Aldridge when it opened at 7pm.

The hall was once the Avion cinema and has been hailed in the past as an example of fine architecture. Built in the 1930s, it is an example of the Moderne style, with cream and green horizontal stripes.

Aldridge councillor Tom Ansell said: "It will be a tragic loss in the community. It was well used and it's also a listed building.

"We will certainly want to keep it in use, so if Gala is leaving, hopefully someone else will move in there.

"It seems nobody's safe. This is a really body blow for Aldridge."

Edith Bustin, aged 83, of Walsall Wood Road, said: "It's a shame as people still enjoy playing bingo and a lot like to go along in the afternoons as it is just a social thing for them."

Gala Coral has closed 13 bingo halls and four casinos since the smoking ban was introduced. In December it said no more closures would come.

It has been reported Gala has a net debt of £2.5 billion.