A former Wrexham councillor has backed a move by a bingo hall to extend its opening owners to allow fans of the activity to continue to play bingo until midnight.
Bosses at Mecca Bingo have made an application to Wrexham Council to lengthen the opening hours at the hall from 11pm until midnight, reports the Evening Leader.
And John Humberstone, ex-councillor for Smithfield, Wrexham, has had a complete turnaround in his views.
He had been against previous applications, stating it would upset residents, but he now feels the move is justified to help the hall to try and survive the credit crunch.
"Given the recent developments at the nearby Eagles Meadow, where there are restaurants and the bowling alley open until about 1am, Mecca Bingo will have to extend their hours in order to compete," he told the newspaper.
"Given the current economic downturn, I think it would be a disaster for Wrexham if the bingo hall were to close."
He added that those using the hall generally just go home after leaving the venue rather than loitering in the area.
It was recently stated by the Herald that a bingo hall in Dublin may have to close down, to the annoyance of local residents.