Plans by a Labour-run council to shut half of a city’s bowling greens have been branded “cruel” and “pensioner-bashing” by outraged club members.
Leeds City Council (LCC) wants to axe 30 of the authority’s 61 crown green bowling sites in a bid to balance creaking finances.
Closures could mean the land is sold off. There are also plans for staffing to be cut at the remaining greens LCC maintains.
According to The Telegraph, the proposals have sparked anger from players and residents who say the sport is a vital lifeline for older people’s mental and physical health.
Crown green bowling often attracts older players because it is a relatively low-impact sport physically. Bowls England says the average age people take up the sport is 43 and that 45% of current club members are aged between 65 and 74.
Tony Harriman, a member of Woodlesford Bowling Club, which is at risk from the LCC plans, described the proposals to cut the number of sites as “pensioner-bashing”.
He told The Telegraph: “It’s as if once you’ve finished work, you’re just a burden on society.
“We’re living too long, we’re a burden to the NHS, we’re getting cuts [for winter fuel payments], and then they come to us saying they want to close the bowling greens.
“It seems as if they want to stick you in the house with a blanket wrapped around you.”
Mr Harriman’s comments were echoed by Laura Fulleylove, secretary of Harehills Park Bowling Club, who said it would be “catastrophic” to close the greens.
She said: “With it being really the only outdoor sport that older people can participate in, closing half of the bowling greens would not be just short-sighted, it’s cruel.
“At the end of the day, it’s our heritage, it’s tradition and something we should be proud of.”
LCC said it would save £140,000 a year by closing the 30 sites, but it has now agreed to keep all the greens open until the end of the 2025 summer season.
Councillor Mohammed Rafique, portfolio holder for environment, said: “The council has been clear its financial situation means it needs to make difficult decisions, with staffing reductions, building closures and asset sales being explored across all service areas.
“We also recognise, though, that each and every one of these decisions must be taken in a way that gives people the best possible chance to have their voices heard.
“Since we began gathering views on the proposed changes to crown green bowling provision, players and clubs have told us they feel more time is needed for the plans to be considered.”