Bowling greens unfit for purpose

A ROW has flared over the deteriorating condition of Warrington’s bowling greens – with Labour councillors claiming they are “unfit for purpose.”
Some greens have not been cut or scarified – and the grass was nine inches long on the green at Bank Park, members of the borough council was told.
Coun Linda Dirir (right) moved a resolution that the executive board suspend all fees for the use of municipal greens to encourage healthy lifestyles and involvement in sport and reverse policies that had seen the maintenance of greens deteriorate.
The matter will now be considered by the executive board.
Coun Dirir said she had received numerous letters from bowlers angry over the condition of some greens.
There was particular concern that the pensioners’ annual bowling main, which traditionally been held in Bank Park, attended by the Mayor and with a Town Hall reception, had been moved to another venue because of the condition of the bowling green.
Grass had been allowed to grow nine inches tall.
Labour leader Coun Terry O’Neill said: “It’s a disgrace – Bank Park should be the jewel in the council’s crown.
Coun Steve Wright said Bank Park was littered with drinks cans, cartons and rubbish through lack of maintenance.
The council was told some bowling leagues were folding up and many bowlers were switching to privately-owned greens. Cut-backs in the maintenance budget were blamed.
Coun Roy Smith, executive member for community services, said there were anomalies in concessions allowed for sport. A review was needed as, unfortunately, concessions were not granted for bowling.
Leader of the council Ian Marks said Bank Park was part of a major regeneration scheme. A master plan was being prepared for the park and should be ready within a couple of months. It contained some exciting proposals.
The Mayor, Coun Graham Wellborn gave an assurance that the pensioners’ bowling main would be held this year – and would include a reception in the Town Hall.