Bowlers in New Farnley have launched an urgent appeal for help, following fresh council proposals for the future of crown green bowling in Leeds.
As reported yesterday, bowlers in Leeds are facing a doubling of the cost of their season tickets after cash-strapped Leeds City Council released their latest proposals for the sport.
In January, the local authority said that it might have to close 30 of its 61 crown green bowling facilities, with Armley Park, Bramley Park, Westroyd Park in Farsley, New Farnley Park, Western Flatts Cliff Park in Wortley and Tyersal Park on the list.
The proposals would see a yearly price increase from £45 to £90 from the start of April 2025, and come as the cash-strapped local authority said it wanted to “safeguard the long-term future of the sport”.
New Farnley Bowling Club has appealed for help through sponsorship as members look to secure the future of the club.
In a statement issued on social media, chairman John Ingham said: “The members of the bowling club would like to thank everybody who signed our petition against the council’s
proposed closure of our club.
“Although the parks department has agreed to keep the greens open for this season, they now intend to double our fees and also charge us for all electricity costs.
“This means our bill will double from £1,650 to approximately £3,500. We are now in the position that we desperately need funds to keep the club running for this year and to also buy a professional mower so we can upkeep the green ourselves going forward.
“We would like to politely ask if there are any businesses large or small in the surrounding area that would be willing to sponsor us either as a donation or for an agreed fee for us to display an advertising board around the green.
“Why not call in for a cuppa watch a bit of bowls and, who knows, you might want to have a go and become a member.”
For more information, contact chairman John Inghamon 0113 2632330 or 07410 982852 or secretary Roger Milner on 07778 525079.
Under the council’s fresh proposals, plans for bowling in the city include:
- Setting clubs a target of having at least 20 adult full-year season ticket holders per summer green by the end of September this year, rising to 26 by the end of September 2028.
- Requiring any clubs unable to meet that target to make up the resulting shortfall in season ticket revenue themselves;
- Requiring clubs to cover their own electricity and water costs, the vast majority of which are currently paid by the council;
- Exploring ways – such as a community asset transfer – in which some clubs could, if they wish to do so, operate independently of the council on a self-sustaining basis.
A decision on whether to press ahead with the plan is due to be taken on or after March 20.