Campaigners continue fight for former bingo hall

Campaigners trying to convert a former bingo club into a cinema have had a boost when the Kingsway International Christian Centre confirmed that they will not be appealing against the decision by Bromley Council to refuse their planning application.

The Picture Palace Campaign group have been fighting for over a year to try and get their dream fulfilled, and although pleased with how things are going admit that there is still a lot to do. They have been fighting to get something which would help local residents in terms of revenue and jobs, after the area was badly hit by the closure of the former Gala Bingo club.

The head of the campaign group, Annabel Sidney, said; “The 7,000 local people who signed our petition in the autumn still want 25 Church Road to be used as a cinema. We believe this would be by far the best outcome for residents and traders. We need to continue to raise funds to ensure the campaign stays in the public eye and to pay for legal advice on any proposals that come forward from the KICC. Together we shall do all we can to achieve our collective goal.” She added; “We will continue our discussions with local officials, councillors and MPs over the coming weeks, where we are exploring a number of strategies for getting a cinema back.”

There have been several fund-raising events recently; in the last week there was a cinema-themed outdoor tea party at the Grape and Grain at Crystal Palace and on July 17th there will be a campaign stall at Kingswood Primary School’s summer fair in Gipsy Road, West Norwood.

We have reported on this campaign before, and hopefully one day will be able to let you know it has come to a happy conclusion,

Related bingo news:

1. Controversial plans for Bingo Club dropped
2. Richard E Grant fighting to save film set Bingo hall
3. Drinking application for Bingo hall in Surrey
4. Bingo Backing MPs Pledge to Fight for Fair Play
5. Bingo club may become cinema