Campaigners were jubilant today after claiming Colchester Council has carried out a U-turn by announcing the town's Gala Bingo is not to be moved.

As part of the St Botolph's regeneration scheme, there were plans to move Colchester's bus station to Osborne Street and part of the ground floor of the NCP car park.

This led to fears that the Gala Bingo club could be evicted, prompting a campaign to save it with nearly 2,000 customers signing a petition against the plans.

St Andrew's Labour councillor Tim Young has been leading the campaign along with Colchester MP Bob Russell.

Mr Young said it had been confirmed to him by Colchester Council executive director Mike Crouch yesterday that the Gala Bingo club would be staying put.

This comes ahead of a motion tabled by Labour councillors for tonight's full council meeting asking for the council to include Gala Bingo at its present site as part of the St Botolph's masterplan.

Mr Young said: "We are delighted our campaign to keep the Gala club in Osborne Street has been supported and successful."

The club has more than 20,000 members.

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Published Tuesday, September 14, 2004

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