When the authorities of Wolverhampton Mecca Bingo announced the hall would close within weeks, its regulars decided to gather outside the Skinner Street building and protest in an attempt to save the popular club.

The more than 300 citizens publicly rejected a free bus service offered by the owners of the Rank Leisure Club, which takes players to the club in Bilston. “This is our club and we’re like a big family here,” Susan Smith, who is coordinating the efforts to stop the closure, said. “Many of us won’t be able to get to Bilston if our place closes. These coaches are a waste of time so we’re showing them what we think.”

If the hall closes, 26 people will lose their jobs. Bingo authorities explained that the decision to close the club was taken having in mind the imminent smoking ban, because they expect it to harm their business.