Rio Bingo regulars have reassured fellow members that bingo will return in January after rumours circulated that the Canvey Island club would be closing in the new year, just nine months after it reopened.

The former Majestic Venue was purchased last year by Paul Austin-Roberts and Tracy Barnard, who have since spent £60,000 on renovation and reestablished the hall as a community hub.

“Don’t listen to all the rumours about Canvey Bingo closing,” said regular customer Doreen Maile on Facebook. “It’s not closing, it’s going to be cheaper in January. Paul and staff are doing an excellent job.”

“There are people who keep telling lies about the Rio closing at Christmas,” added June Hooper. “For some reason they want it to fail. For everyone’s information it is not closing for good, in fact it will be opening after Xmas, and in January it will be cheaper.”

Rio Bingo will reopen after Christmas on 5 January.