With the harsh weather likely to continue for a number of weeks according to some forecasts, it could be the final nail in the coffin for many struggling UK bingo clubs.

Depending on which source you read the UK is suffering with the worst weather for between 23 and 30 years.  While for many students and employees this maybe seen as a few days extra holiday, the cost to the UK economy however is staggering. Yesterday it is estimate that 10% of the countries 30 million workforce was unable toget into work.

A poll of 213 companies by Peninsula, a law firm based in Manchester, found that 44 per cent of workers in the area stayed at home yesterday, according to the Manchester Evening News.

Business groups have estimate the cost of the snow this week to businesses as to around to £2 billion.

The effects on bingo clubs can be more damaging as with many customers being elderly are unlikely to take risks in traveling to thier local clubs. For many of the younger players the fact that children are off school will also mean that they are unable to play bingo in the afternoons, this also has effects on those that don't have children but look after dependents of other family members. In addition the knock on effects of the cold conditions with increasing energy costs will have an effect on the available funds players have for entertainment. With many bingo clubs in the UK still struggling from entensive list of external factors such as the 'Smoking Ban', 'Tax Increase' and 'legislative changes in relation to gaming machines', this could be the final straw for some bingo operators.

It is hoped that the weather will improve to return business levels back to normal. However, even if the weather conditions persist people will start to brave the conditions. Initally when there is a drastic change to the weather people tend to stay at home but as time goes on they begin to venture out and become accustomed to the weather. Bingosupermarket was talking to Norma Guy, Manager of the Hippodrome Bingo in Bishop Auckland in County Durham, one of the worst hit places in the UK.

"We have snow since Christmas Eve and this has had a significant impact on the number attending, however, even though the conditions are detoriating customers are returning for a number of reasons which include 'missing the social interaction' aware of heating bills and cooking hot meals which is all provided at their bingo club. We have had problems with the local council in clearing the paths from the front of the club. We initial cleared the paths until we was informed that if a customer was to slip or fall on a path we had cleared this would make us liable."

Bingosupermarket have sent some representatives to local Gala Bingo clubs and one in particular in the Yorkshire area had less than customers on a session that was being promoted with Free bingo. Similar visits to the same club in the past showed levels this to be around 75% down. The evening session did not fair any better.

The Ritz Bingo Club in Castleford was forced to close its doors yesterday afternoon.