A QUESTION mark hangs over the future of Inverclyde Indoor Bowling Centre – six years after a hard-fought campaign to save it from closure.

Operators Inverclyde Leisure (IL) stepped in to rescue the facility when it got into difficulty in 2011, but now officials say they have been forced to look at ‘future alternatives’ to help make it viable.

Fewer people are said to be using the centre and it is only open for six months a year during the winter when the outdoor bowling season has ended.

In IL’s new three-year blueprint – which will be put to the board next week – bosses reveal they want a review of the lease and to explore ways of maximising the use of the vast property.

The leisure trust stepped in six years ago to run the hall and give a much-needed cash injection to fix things like the broken heating system.

But officials say there has been a ‘decline in usage’.

Councillor Ronnie Ahlfeld, who is Inverclyde’s sports champion, was at the forefront of the campaign to keep the facility open and drum up much needed new members.

He said: “It would be a pity if the membership declined to a level that it was deemed we couldn’t go on with it.

“But I think there’s more discussions to be had about that.

“There would have to be a lot of discussions about where we go from here, can we keep it open or can we have dual usage. That’s something we would have to look at.”

IL have suggested a host of alternative uses for the building such as a trampoline centre, 10 pin bowling alley, crazy golf course, go-karting track, skateboarding and BMX arena and even an assault course based on hit TV game show Ninja Warrior.

A source said indoor bowling could remain, but that lanes would be ‘minimised’ to allow for possible redevelopment.

Councillor Ahlfeld says that is something he would welcome to ensure the centre stays open.

He added: “An ageing membership was one of the problems and we got quite a number of young people who joined and played there.

“It’s a terrific property, really good, and I was always of the opinion we should use it more.

“I thought it would be an ideal place for a concert or something like that but experts told me that if we had boards on the ‘greens’ area in the fullness of time it would cause damage to them.”

IL bosses have stressed that no final decisions have yet been made and that any changes to the current set-up will be discussed with all relevant parties.

Kieron Vango, IL chief executive, said: “The three-year strategic plan has not been approved by Inverclyde Leisure’s board of directors.

“Any future initiatives will involve consultation with our stakeholders.”