A LANCASTER bingo fan has had to give up her hobby because she can't get to the ladies' loo.

Margaret Hillyard, who uses an electric scooter to get around the city, is unable to get upstairs to the ladies' toilet at Gala Bingo.

After using the gents' during a recent visit, she was told by management that she would not be allowed to come to the bingo if she was going to use the toilets.

Bosses at Gala Bingo have now offered to accommodate Margaret at their Morecambe bingo hall, where there are disabled facilities.

"I feel like I've been in prison for 55 years, but I haven't killed anyone," said Margaret, who lives on the Marsh: "I might as well have leprosy, with the way people treat me. It's the same for other disabled people.

"I think they were upset because one of the ladies I was with cleared the men out of the toilets so I could use it. Bingo is just one pleasure which has been taken away from me.

"I used to be able to struggle up stairs with help from my friends, but I broke my leg a year ago and I can't do it any more."

Gala Bingo says it is investigating the possibility of installing disabled facilities at its Lancaster club, a converted cinema where access is limited.

A spokesperson said: "Gala Bingo always does its best to ensure that the needs of its members are met.

"Gala has another bingo club a couple of miles away in Morecambe that has disabled facilities.

It has welcomed Miss Hillyard as a member in the past, and would love to see her there again in the future. If she contacts the Morecambe club before her next visit, the manager will be happy to meet her as she arrives and help her settle in."

However, Margaret replied: "I can't get to Morecambe. They won't let my scooter on the bus."