As one of the favourite bingo clubs in the Northeast closed last week following a water accident, reports are now suggesting the bingo club would be closed for a ‘while’ and the damage is ‘significant’. Rumours suggest the club may not be open for a number of months. Initial investigations have suggested that the bingo equipment in the club is non-functional, the walls, ceiling and flooring in the club will all need replacing and the majority of the club will need redecorating.

The incident occurred on Friday morning. It is believed that the local water board were carrying out work and had shut off several mains water pipes. When the water was turned back on it has been suggested that a tap was turned on that had not been used for many years. The bingo club has two levels and staff became aware sometime later prior to the club opening that water was running down the walls from the upper level. The water had built up within the structure and it wasn’t long before parts of the ceiling and walls started coming away. After a quick investigation the staff spoke to the workman outside and the water mains were isolated. It has not been confirmed yet exactly how the accident happened or who was responsible.

The building was closed as insurance investigators were called in to the site which was drenched in dirty water. The building has been declared as unsafe in its current state due the fact that parts of ceiling keep dropping and it is not sure how much damage the water has done to the electrics.

Teams of experts have been called into see how quickly the building can be restored to an operational state. It was hoped that parts of the club maybe usable before Christmas, however this is very unlikely. One of the problems that will be faced is that bingo equipment is not just purchased ‘off the shelf’ and has to be manufactured to suit the premises. The cost to replace a single row of bingo seating and equipment alone is more than £10,000 and it is likely that every row will have to be replaced. The staff and management at the club have been sent home and the company have said they are being paid in full.

Dave Holt, the Director at Seldis Cooper commented: “This is a difficult time for all those involved with our club in Bishop Auckland. It is too soon to be able to confirm when the club will reopen and what the costs will be the damage however is extensive. We are having daily discussions with the emergency teams and insurance assessors and will provide full details in due course.”

Mr Holt who has spent the last few days at the site, said that the damage had been to the middle of the club meaning where the bingo and seating is located which means the damaged areas could not even be blocked off.

He went on: “In 17 years of working within the bingo industry, I have overseen damage to clubs in various states such as fires, water damage and damage clubs roofs; however this is the worst incident I have seen to date. We are committed to making the club safe and operational as soon as possible. We would like to thank our loyal customers for their understanding at this difficult time and we are looking forward to the day that the club re-opens.”

The company are now arranging for trips to other bingo clubs within the company over the coming weeks.

A hotline has been set up for bingo customer to keep them updated of the progress. You can text bingo to 88802.