EYES down, Mecca Bingo is back.

The nation's best known bingo chain has confirmed Mecca Bingo in Brierley Hill and Oldbury will be among clubs re-opening on Saturday July 4.

Mecca Bingo is taking a phased approach to re-opening its clubs across the country but the Black Country venues will be among the first wave to re-open this weekend since temporarily closing their doors due to lockdown restrictions in March.

A raft of safety measures will be in place to help keep customers and staff safe as the country emerges from the coronavirus lockdown.

Bingo club bosses say staff members have undergone robust and rigorous training so they are ready to reopen the doors to the public and ensure everyone can play safely.

Enhanced cleaning routines will be established with team members cleaning as they go and all tables, machines and touch points will be cleaned regularly throughout the day.

Visitors will be asked to clean their hands with hand sanitiser stations readily available around all clubs.

Social distancing will be in place throughout the clubs, with clear signs to help guide customers. There will also be a capacity cap in place to ensure numbers are managed carefully.

Customers will be able to choose to pay and play using contactless devices but will still have the option to use cash, and food and drink can be ordered via mobile phone or MAX screen at the bingo table.

Mecca will also launch a pre-booking service in July, allowing customers to secure their space to play, pre-order food and drinks and avoid disappointment.

Mecca is also broadening its bingo offer, so as well as the much loved traditional game, new bingo sessions will be introduced to ensure everyone can enjoy the fun of Mecca.

Opening hours will also be extended at the majority of clubs to accommodate new ‘Popingo’ sessions which are being introduced in addition to traditional bingo sessions to allow people to pop in and play for an hour.

New ‘Mecca Cares’ sessions also will be introduced earlier in the day for those who may be feeling a little nervous about getting back to normal life following an extended period of lockdown.

Customer numbers will be reduced at these sessions to ensure those attending feel completely comfortable in their surroundings, and they can also enjoy a free cup of coffee.

Jonathon Swaine, managing director of retail at Mecca Bingo, said: “We want to reassure the Mecca Bingo community that we are working together to take every precaution necessary to create a safe environment in which to play the nation’s favourite game. We’re also investing in new entertainment formats in our clubs, to give everyone even better experiences.

"We are excited to reopen our doors, welcome back our communities and hear ‘House’ called once again.”