Cutbacks crisis for city’s bowlers

MEMBERS of Leeds City Council-run bowling clubs are to gather for a crisis meeting after it was announced that all 71 of the city’s greens would be reviewed.
By The Newsroom
Published 30th Apr 2013, 02:00 BST

Club committee members and players will be at the South Leeds Conservative Club on Thursday to discuss the council’s plans.

The authority wants to save £150,000 on the cost of maintaining greens and subsidising players. There are 4,000 people playing bowls in Leeds, but the council says membership is falling.

It has proposed:

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Eliminating surplus greens where a club has more than one.

Providing a £1,900 grant to each club for committees to use towards upkeep of greens.

Drawing up an individual agreement with each club to find ways to reduce costs.

Merging clubs with smaller memberships of 50 or less.

Closing greens, as a last resort.

The consultation period is open until May 31. Andrew Dewhirst, chairman of Leeds and District Crown Green Bowling Association, said members had not been given enough time or information.

A council spokeswoman said the authority encouraged active lifestyles and it would take all views into account.

Related topics:Leeds City CouncilLeeds