Save our bowling greens

It seems that the sum to be saved of £30,000 over a year is pretty small when it is related to the loss of amenity which will result from it. Bowling is a sport/pastime which is one of the most inclusive anywhere. It can be played by young and old, as a family, or in a club or team.

In a town which has adopted the slogan “one town, one community” it offers super potential for cultural integration. It is easily learnt, inexpensive to play, and located in parks which have things for non-participants to enjoy. At a time when the local hospital (or some such NHS associated organisation) appears to be funding gym sessions for overweight residents, the health benefits of bowling greens seems quite good value. I would also be interested to hear how many of the councillors play bowls — I don’t suppose Cllr Amy Rushforth does!

As a council tax payer I expect the council to take care of local assets which we have accumulated over the years. Unfortunately, our council don’t have a very good record in this respect. Think of Herringthorpe Leisure centre, Grange Park bowling greens and tennis courts, Ferham Park bowling greens, Rawmarsh Baths and other school swimming facilities and many more. Not to mention all the local care homes, and Norfolk House, which had a life span of 25 years.

There seems to be an abilty to raise capital to “do “ something but the inability to provide revenue to maintain things. £30,000 is probably the amount which it costs us to fund a councillor for a year. I think that I would manage with one less councillor rather than remove the maintenance for these bowling greens.

Bob Sprowson, Bradgate Court, Rotherham