Bingo players in Southend have been left stumped as to why their local hall has been closed.
No explanation has yet been given as to why the popular venue on Pier Hill has been padlocked up.
Speaking to the Essex Echo, a player who wished to remain anonymous said: "I went along to play as usual and there was an enormous padlock on the front doors.
"Hundreds of people use it, it is a really popular venue. The people who run it are very friendly and it is very family-orientated. It is a very, very friendly club. All the staff were lovely.
They added that there had been "no suggestion the club was going to close".
Southend is popular for those who enjoy bingo game play, with many also flocking to the town's Mecca Bingo club in Greyhound Trading Park.
The growth of online bingo also means that many fans of the game enjoy playing over the internet in the comfort of their own homes.
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