Bowling club set to shut
Lisa Hodge and Susan Lochrie • Published 18 Jan 2011 14:00
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A CASH-strapped bowling club faces closure within three months unless it can find funds to pay mounting bills.
Inverclyde Indoor Bowling Club could be forced to shut its doors for the final time due to falling membership and a shortage of cash to fix a broken heating system.
In its heyday, the club attracted 1,000 members - but in recent years it has struggled to keep that figure around the 300 mark.
Hundreds of players will be left devastated if the club collapses following a 28-year history in the town.
Disappointed bowler John Fleming believes the facility is worth fighting for and is desperate to see it survive.
He said: "The boilers exploded over the winter, which we have been told will cost around £30,000 to replace. Obviously the club just doesn't have that sort of money so we have no choice but to close.
"We feel the council should be doing more to save the club. We have a lot of elderly members who play here and, for most, it's their only social activity. Some of them rely on it just to keep fit and get out of the house. One member is 94 years-old and this is his only lifeline."
John, a member of eight years, uses the club five days a week and often takes along his 14-year-old son. He says that during the winter season, there is nowhere else in the area for players to go.
He added: "We've been told we can drive to Paisley or Ardrossan for a game indoors, but that's just not practical. It's too far and for those members who don't drive, especially the older ones, it's just impossible."
The bowling club rents the premises from Inverclyde Council - but bosses are preparing to wind up the business after being crippled by arrears and hefty repair bills.
A spokesman for the board of directors said: "The directors of Inverclyde Bowling Ltd, in conjunction with both the Ladies and Gents Bowling Club committees, have sadly decided the club should start proceedings to establish the proper procedure to close the club at the end of April 2011.
"There is currently a request with Inverclyde Council for further financial assistance, in addition to that already given, to help us meet our business and bowling commitments. It would therefore be inappropriate to make further comment at this time."
A spokesman for Inverclyde Council said: "Inverclyde Council had already approved proposals to reduce the amount owed in rent arrears and to allow the use of the building rent free. It was hoped the club could then put forward a business plan to allow the required investment in the property.
"Every effort has been made to assist the club address both its falling membership and financial difficulties. However, the council is willing to consider a request for further financial support from the directors of the club should they choose to submit one."
Councillors Jim McLeod and Jim Grieve are backing the bid to save the club.
This article appeared in Greenock Telegraph 18 Jan 11
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