The King’s Bingo Club in Gainsborough is struggling to survive as admissions have dwindled in recent years. The club formerly known as King’s Theatre and the Albert Theatre has been on Trinity Street since the 1800s and has been operating as a bingo club for around half a century.

With the number of customers dropping over recent years there are fears unless number pick up that the doors will have to shut for the last time. Owner and operator Roger Whitnall is appealing to locals residents to make use of the club to avoid losing it.

“Without the support of Gainsborough residents, we won’t be here for much longer,” he said. “There’s just a lack of customers and the whole town is struggling.”

“We need about 300 customers a week but we’ve been down to about 160 recently. We’re not afraid of hard-work but we’re just losing so much money and nothing seems to be working.”

Roger claims that the bingo club had been a key venue for nights out in the town. The club currently employs nine members of staff that face the prospect of redundancy unless the situation improves.

“We used to get about 160 people in on a Sunday night, and I’d love to return it to it’s former-glory days,” he added.

“The smoking ban hasn’t helped, and internet bingo is also taking a lot of customers away from us plus the recession hasn’t been kind to people around here.”

The owner added that the club offers a unique opportunity for local bingo fans.

“It’s a relatively low-cost evening’s entertainment in a secure and friendly environment and a great way to socialise,” said Roger.

“The nearest bingo hall outside of Gainsborough would be Scunthorpe and our customers just can’t travel that far at night.

“We have higher win-ability potential and I see us as more of a community club.”

“I’m not here to make a killing - I just want to make a living. It’s an uphill struggle.”

In 1885 the club opened as the Albert Theatre by James Marshall in 1885 and was converted to a bingo club in 1967.

84 year old Margaret Orton added: “It’s always been a great place to come to for good company,” she said. “We come here for a cheap night out with friends and it’s more fun than going to the pub.”

“I remember when we used to have to queue up down the street years ago, but now people just don’t seem to have the money to spend really - it’s such a huge shame.”

Sue Ollerton the duty manager who has been working at the club since 1975 commented on the decline of the club.

“It’s just gone downhill,

“The smoking ban hit us hard and people just don’t have much money at the moment.”

“Years ago, we’d have nearly 200 people in here and we’d be packed - it’s just the regulars in their tens. Everything is just dwindling away.

“It’s a lovely place to work and we’re all like a nice little family really.”

“We’ve had some good times and some sad times, but we always get through them. So many would miss this place if it went.”