MECCA has confirmed that its bingo club in York will not be reopening after the lockdown.

Operations director John Dyson said today he was 'very sad to confirm' that the club in Fishergate would be closing permanently.

He said: "Mecca York has been a part of the local community for 18 years and we want to say a huge thank you to every single one of our incredible customers for their loyalty and support – we will miss you very much.

"Mecca plays a very special part in the community and has done for 60 years, bringing people together in our clubs and online. We wish all of our colleagues and customers well for the future."

Mecca declined to say how many jobs had been lost as a result of the closure, which leaves York with just one bingo club in Clifton.

Mr Dyson's comments came after The Press revealed earlier this week that developers North Star and Grantside had bought the Mecca building, which they viewed as a key site for York and a gateway into the city centre, and were reviewing all options for its future.

The boss of Mecca owner Rank Group has previously reported that audiences at its bingo halls were getting younger, with older players staying home during the pandemic.

John O’Reilly said the number of customers aged 70 and over had dropped significantly after it was allowed to reopen, as they were “more fearful” to return to venues amid continued health concerns, while younger players had swiftly returned.