SALISBURY'S Buzz Bingo is to close, the owners have announced, as the firm puts more than 550 jobs at risk nationwide.

The venue on Endless Street only opened last February, having previously been run by Gala Bingo. 

However, Buzz bosses say the move is part of a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA) restructuring deal to secure its long-term future.

The firm, which employs around 3,400 people, said it has earmarked sites for closure due to what it “expects will be an unsustainable operating environment for the foreseeable future”.

The firm said that 91 of its clubs will continue to trade, with plans to start the reopening of sites from August 6 after they closed due to lockdown.

Since the start of lockdown, the majority of the company's staff have been on furlough leave.

Salisbury Journal: Irene Boyce cutting the ribbon last February with Buzz Bingo Salisbury General manager Richard Draper Irene Boyce cutting the ribbon last February with Buzz Bingo Salisbury General manager Richard Draper

Chris Matthews, chief executive of Buzz Bingo, said: “The ongoing pandemic has had far-reaching consequences for the entire leisure and hospitality sector and an immediate and significant impact on our business.

“Following a thorough review of our options, the proposed CVA will restructure our retail portfolio to ensure we are well positioned for a return to growth, while adapting to the ongoing, challenging environment as we start to reopen the majority of our clubs.

“The restructure will, very sadly, impact a number of our colleagues and my priority is to support all those affected and keep them fully informed as we continue with this process.

“I would like to thank every single one of our colleagues for their continued understanding and commitment over this period.”

Melanie Leech, chief executive of the British Property Federation (BPF), said: “These situations are never easy, particularly now for the retail, hospitality and leisure businesses on our high streets at the sharp end of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Property owners, however, need to take into consideration the impact on their investors, including the millions of people whose savings and pensions are invested in commercial property, as they vote on any CVA proposal.”

The 26 sites earmarked for closure are:

  • Banbury
  • Boston
  • Bournemouth
  • Bridlington
  • Carlisle
  • Chatham
  • Chorley
  • Cramlington
  • Derby Foresters
  • Edinburgh Westerhailes
  • Harpurhey
  • Hereford
  • Kilmarnock
  • Milton Keynes
  • Oxford Kassam
  • Salford
  • Salisbury
  • Southampton Antelope Park
  • Stockland Green
  • Tamworth
  • Wednesbury
  • Weymouth
  • Wigan Robin Park
  • Wolverhampton
  • Worcester
  • Wythenshawe