A WOMAN who suffers from epilepsy has been banned from visiting her favourite bingo hall.

Laura Richards says staff at Mecca Bingo in Beeston told her not to come back after she suffered a fit during a game. She claims they told her it was for "reasons to do with health and safety".

Laura, who has been playing bingo since she was aged 18, was distressed by the incident.

"I cannot drive or work because of my condition so bingo was my only way of socialising and I really loved it," she said.

"Being banned is stopping me from really enjoying my life."

Laura, of Clifton, developed epilepsy when she was born after suffering a stroke which left two scars underneath her brain.

She takes medication to try to control the condition.

Since being asked not to visit the club on August 5, the 27-year-old spends most of her day at home, where she lives alone.

Laura said: "The fact I cannot work or drive has already destroyed my life but not being able to attend bingo has left me feeling completely isolated.

"I have lots of friends at the club but unfortunately I cannot see them anymore."

Laura has fits up to three or four times a week but can go for a week at a time without one.

Staff at Mecca Bingo felt they should call an ambulance as a matter of routine on around three different occasions – but Laura said this never resulted in her being treated or going to hospital.

She is now considering taking her complaint to a solicitor.

Beeston's Mecca Bingo hall opened in May last year.

General manager Neil Tams said the ban was in Laura's interests.

"The safety of our customers and team members is our highest priority and with that in mind we have taken the decision to ban Laura Richards," he said.

"Over the past months there have been several incidents with Laura when she's visited and as a result of these incidents we spoke to Laura and told her she was welcome to visit us but only if she was accompanied by her carer.

"Laura has ignored our request and continued to visit alone. Events that have taken place during her last few visits have led us to believe that in visiting alone she poses a risk to herself and others."

But Epilepsy Action spokesperson Louise Whalley said: "Although we cannot comment on individual cases, it is unacceptable for a bingo hall or any other establishment to discriminate against a person because of their epilepsy. Some people with epilepsy may feel more comfortable taking someone with them, but this is entirely the choice of the individual.

"Businesses that deal with the public should provide training for staff on epilepsy and what to do if a customer has a seizure."

The Disability Discrimination Act states that it is against the law to refuse to provide a service to a disabled person, which they would usually provide to any other member of the public.

There is an exception if there are fears about the health or safety of the disabled person, or others around them.