The gaming giant which operates land based bingo clubs, casinos and a variety of online gambling websites has confirmed that it is looking for a site to return back to Walthamstow.

Mecca Bingo operated a bingo club in Walthamstow previously and closed it down in 2001. It has choosen the E17 postcode area following "extensive research" which suggests the town would be make an ideal investment for a new build bingo club.

Mark Jones, the managing director, claimed the "time was right" to return to the area but the company had not yet found the right site for the proposed venue.

He added: “We are actively seeking a new location in Walthamstow as we are keen to open one of our new-look leisure venues in the area.

"Not only will it bring much-needed employment opportunities to the area but it will also offer locals a new female-friendly sociable gaming concept which is an attractive alternative to standard leisure activities such as the cinema or going to the pub."

A company spokesperson said they were looking for premises of at least 30,000 square feet of space be close to an A road and residential areas. Ideally the site would also have a minimum of 150 parking spaces. A new bingo club would create around 50 jobs to the local area.

Mecca Bingo already operates 98 bingo clubs in the UK.