BINGO regulars said a fond farewell to their central Swindon haunt as Mecca closed its doors for the final time.

But players may yet be thrown a lifeline. Talks will be held today between council bosses, who plan to use the site as a key regeneration plot, and company managers about keeping the Regents Circus venue open.

Coun Philip Young, cabinet member for economic development, regeneration and development, said: "We've got no timescale. We're drawing up the plans for what we'd like to see there.

"But we do want to make the most of it until we know what's happening.

"We're going to look into it and if there is potential to keep them there we'd be delighted to do so."

The Mecca Bingo area manager is expected in Swindon today and it is hoped the council can have talks then.

"We hope to talk on its future to get him to understand the importance of the bingo hall to the people," said Coun Young.

"But I do think we need to be absolutely clear as we've had no indication that Mecca are wanting to have it open.

"As a council we will do all we can. As I say, it's not our decision . It requires a business discussion with the area manager."

On Saturday almost 200 players made what might be their final pilgrimage to the Mecca bingo.

They ended their evening with champagne and music.

Betty Windslow, an 84-year-old from Rosewood Court, said it was the latest in a long line of bingo venues to shut.

"I was widowed seven years ago and this has become a big part of my life. I don't know what I am going to do."

Gilbert Hawkins, 73, said: "It is disgusting what they have done here.

"It is the only time the old people that come here get out of the house.

"It was the way they did it, they only told us a week ago last Friday that it was closing.

"There are a lot of old people crying because of this."

Rita Hawkin, 69, of William Street, said: "It's the only form of entertainment a lot of the people who come here have. They were most upset when they were told last Friday."

She attended on Friday and Saturday evening for 30 years and can still remember when they played bingo on their laps when it was still a cinema.

"It's where a lot of people come to have a chat," she said.

"The older generation, they come to socialise. They haven't got anywhere else to go.

"If someone is feeling a bit poorly we look out for them - it's a friendly place and it's pretty central."

Hazel Bleay, 82, of Newlands Road, Broadway, who has been coming to the hall for decades, said: "I love to come here. It's so friendly and the staff are really wonderful."

"It's part of my life, it's kept me going.

"Otherwise you are stuck in watching the box and I don't want to do that."