STAFF at a Bolton bingo hall have been left fearing for their jobs after discovering plans that it could be replaced by a new supermarket.

Letters have been delivered to 3,000 homes revealing plans to build a new Aldi store on the site of the Mecca Bingo in Bury Road, Breightmet.

But it has been revealed that staff and management at Mecca were unaware of the proposals before the letters were issued.

The bingo hall has 40 staff members on its books who have expressed fears for their futures.

A spokesman for the Mecca said: “We are surprised and disappointed by the news. We are seeking urgent clarification from our landlord regarding the situation.”

Along with the food store, Aldi’s proposal will include space for five additional commercial units on the site and the German firm believes the multi-million pound investment could create 100 jobs for local people.

A public exhibition will be held on Wednesday, February 25 at Radcliffe Masonic Hall in Bury New Road where residents can find out more about the plans and provide feedback.

A spokesman for Aldi said: “We are excited about the prospect of delivering an Aldi store for Breightmet as well as supporting the delivery of additional commercial units that will provide even more investment and create more jobs for the local area.

"We would like to encourage the local community to come along and find out more about our proposals and meet the project team.”

The initial plans have been well received by residents living near to the site.

Bury Road resident Tony Laycock, aged 42, said: “It is fine by me and I would shop at an Aldi store if it came.

“I don’t play bingo so I would get more use out of the food shop. I have no complaints.”

Mr Laycock’s neighbour, 47-year-old Lee Kirk, used to work at the Mecca site when it was run by Cascade Bingo.

He said: “I think this will be good for the local area and I think the shop will do all right — they will have a captive audience here.

“I think it is good news that they will provide 100 jobs for local people and it is something I could be interested in myself.”

But Mecca staff have been left stunned by the news.

The partner of one staff member, who contacted The Bolton News anonymously, said: “The fact that no one at the company knew about this before the letters went out baffles me — my partner works there but we found out after my mother-in-law got a letter.

“The worst thing for us is the manner in which this has been done — of course she is worried about her job but it is the way we found out.

“If I had been Aldi I would have contacted Mecca first and maybe even said some of the jobs created could be secured for Mecca staff.

“People lose their jobs and it is something that many of us have been through, but it is the way this has been done that has really put extra stress on people.”

Breightmet councillor Lynda Byrne said she has had “mainly positive feedback” from local residents regarding the plans.

She added: “People have generally liked the idea but there are some concerns about the amount of traffic that could lead on to Breightmet Fold Lane.

“I am surprised to hear that staff at Mecca were not informed of the plans because this affects their livelihoods.”

“Myself and ward councillor John Byrne will be attending the consultation and will be very keen to hear what people think.”