Bowls club fears parking closure will impact members, especially elderly, with limited transport access.
Rob Tucker chairs the bowls club. He and others are upset. They disliked the council’s poor communication. Rob learned about the closure just before it happened.
The club has about 500 members currently. They could actually accommodate even more bowlers. Rob worried about parking during the half-term break. He feared the leisure center would be busy. Tuesdays get very crowded there. Around 48 men play in the morning.
Then, 48 women come later. Almost 100 people could be there at once. Rob says the bowls club is doing well. He is sure parking worked out somehow.
But, Rob worries about the future. “No parking means no play or growth,” he stated. Bowls club members average about 81 years old. Some members are even in their 90s.
The club plays a vital role in the community. It helps people socialize after losing partners. Many members said parking is essential. They could not go to the club otherwise.
Other car parks are too far to walk. Buses don’t run often enough either. The council still thinks closure helps overall. They plan to explore adding new parking spaces.
Councilor Mike Cox said selling the site helps the budget. It saves money. He stated about £9,000 a month comes from the sale. The money saves services for all residents.