TERRORISED pensioners have been driven out of their bingo hall by roaming gangs of youths.

More than five decades of bingo nights will come to an end - because the players are now too frightened to leave their homes.

Organiser Olive Hawxby, 77, said: "We just don't feel safe. There's no knowing what these kids might do to us."

Pensioners have been meeting for Friday night bingo for more than 50 years at Poppleton Road Memorial Hall, in Oak Street, York.

But this week's session will be the last.

Mrs Hawxby said: "We never used to have any problems, but over the last two years it's been getting worse and worse.

"Youths have been terrorising us by banging on the doors and kicking the windows.

"The last time it happened, I had to call the police because they were jumping up at the windows and trying to get in. We were so frightened."

Police chiefs have pledged to tackle the problem, but the bingo players said it was too late.

Mrs Hawxby, a former nurse who lives in nearby Amberley Street, said: "People have asked me not to give it up, but when we come away from the hall I always wonder if people have got home safe. Sometimes I phone them just to make sure.

"We used to have a lovely time, and I am going to miss it more than anyone. But we are so dedicated, we are putting ourselves at risk."

The bingo nights used to thrive, but now only a dozen people attend. Some of them are in their eighties.

Inspector Colin Moreton, of York Police, said: "One of our priorities in Acomb and Holgate is antisocial behaviour - in fact, it is our top priority.

"Some of the big hotspots for antisocial behaviour are Salisbury Road and Lindsey Avenue, but people do migrate.

"In this particular instance, we are now aware of the situation. Officers will get the names of the youths and we are halfway there.

"We can then send letters to parents and let them know what is going on, or get them to sign acceptable behaviour contracts."

Many pensioners also attend the memorial hall's popular Monday Club, but that takes place during the day. The Friday bingo sessions start at 7pm and last until 9pm - and by then it is dark.

Mrs Hawxby said: "If we are coming out into the dark, they could be there waiting for us.

"It would be awful if someone was mugged. But it wouldn't be for the winnings - we don't make much. If I win 70p, I'm full of joy.

"It's not about the money, it's about going out and socialising. I suppose now we'll all be sitting at home watching TV."

The last session will be held on Friday, with a special supper to mark the sad occasion.

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