MECCA gave assurances to customers and staff over its York bingo club just ten months ago, The Press can reveal.

The company said yesterday it was 'very sad' to confirm it would not be reopening the club in Fishergate in May and it would be closing permanently.

The announcement followed news that the site had been bought by developers.

Last June - when the club was closed because of the first lockdown - The Press contacted the company after hearing rumours that it had sold the site to a developer for possible redevelopment as a hotel.

A spokesperson said then:"We want to assure our customers and staff that there is no truth in the rumours that we have sold our Fishergate club in York.

"Mecca Bingo York is temporarily closed following Government guidance, however the team is working tirelessly to ensure that when we're able to open our doors again, we do so in a safe and fun way for both our staff and customers. We can't wait to welcome everyone back."

The club subsequently reopened but then had to close again as the country went back into another lockdown.

The company has declined to reveal how many jobs have been lost with the closure, which leaves York with just one bingo club, in Clifton.

The club is on the site of the former Rialto cinema and ballroom, where major bands once played, including The Beatles,who performed there three times in the early 1960s.