Merkur Slots in The Cross in Worcester is closed with all signage removed from the front of the building as customers are advised the nearest branch is in Evesham.

A sign in the window of the door reads: “This venue has closed. Your nearest venue is: Merkur Slots, 1 Swan Lane, Evesham.”

We approached Merkur Slots for a response on Friday and, despite receiving an acknowledgement, we have yet to receive an official response. 

CLOSED: A sign on the door of Merkur Slots in The Cross, Worcester which is now shut (Image: Newsquest)

We reported last July how Merkur Slots made a successful request to Worcester City Council to extend its opening hours until 6am every day.

The extended hours were approved by the council’s planning officers who said the move had not raised any objections despite being in the city’s biggest hotspot for anti-social behaviour and disorder.

Merkur said it had not received any complaints about noise or disturbance in the 18 months since opening.

Approving the plan, the council’s planning officers said the extended hours would not affect crime in the area.

West Mercia Police said even though The Cross remained the highest area for crime and disorder, Merkur Slots had shown “effective management for the premise, staff, and customers” and raised no objection.

The success comes after the casino chain had a request to open 24 hours a day turned down by the council a year ago.

As they did then, bosses at Merkur Slots called on the city council again to “show a level of consistency” in its decision-making after agreeing for neighbouring gambling outlets to open longer.

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In 2022 Shipley Amusement Centre moved from the former Scala Theatre in Angel Place around the corner to Broad Street and was given permission by the city council to open 24 hours a day – a privilege that Merkur Slots said should be extended to its venue.

West Mercia Police had been against Merkur’s 24/7 plan from the start but was willing to ‘trial’ a 2am cut-off so officers could keep on an eye on the situation and review it in the future.

Planning officers at Worcester City Council said the fears from police were rational and reasonable but it was willing to accept the gambling shop closing at 2am instead of midnight.