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, local authority said that as part of its money-saving plans 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.
The moves have already sparked fears that bowlers could be priced out of the sport. Laura Fulleylove, from Harehills Park Bowling Club, said: “The news from our members is that they quite clearly cannot afford it.”
Following a public consultation, the council has come up with revised proposals that it “hopes will allow many more of the city’s greens to stay open” — though it has not yet said which greens could still be affected.
The proposals would see the yearly price increase from £45 to £90 from the start of April 2025, and comes as the cash-strapped local authority said it wanted to “safeguard the long-term future of the sport”.
The plans also 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.
Councillor Mohammed Rafique, Leeds City Council’s executive member for climate, energy, environment and green space, said: “The council has been clear that, given the severity of the financial challenges it is currently facing, significant savings need to be made across a whole range of service areas.
“Equally, however, we have stressed that decisions on how such savings can be achieved will take full account of the needs and views of local people.
“The recent public consultation underlined the important contribution that bowling makes to life in many of the city’s communities, and has helped us shape our revised proposals.”
Clubs will be offered the opportunity for individual meetings with the council this month to discuss how they will be affected by the new arrangements.
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