Gareth Coats leads the charge against Leeds’ plan to shut down bowling greens, citing community impact and a thriving youth interest in the sport
Leeds: There’s a real uproar in Leeds over plans to close 24 bowling greens. Top bowler Gareth Coats is leading the charge against this decision.
Gareth, who’s a big deal in the bowling world, says the council’s move is just plain cruel. They want to shut down nearly half of the greens they manage, claiming memberships have dropped a lot since 2014.
They say this will save them £140,000 a year. But after hearing from upset bowlers, they’ve decided to keep the clubs open until the end of the 2025 season. Still, it’s a tough pill to swallow.
Gareth argues that the sport is actually doing well, especially with younger players getting involved. He believes Yorkshire has some of the best junior talent around, and it’s sad to think these greens might disappear.
He reminisces about how many people have played at these clubs for years. It’s not just about the game; it’s about community and friendships. Older folks love to gather for a game and a chat over tea and biscuits.
Leeds City Council insists that even if they close these greens, they’ll still have more than cities like Birmingham and Manchester. They’re currently in the consultation phase, which ends on January 26, and they plan to have more talks with the clubs afterward.
One club in jeopardy is Harehills Park Bowling Club, which was praised by the council just last year. Captain Laura Fulleylove is heartbroken. She’s known many bowlers for ages and says they’re devastated by the news.
Laura points out that many of these greens have been around for over a century. She’s been playing since she was three and feels it’s just not right. They’ve put in so much effort to improve their club, and now it feels like it’s all for nothing.
She’s even confronted the council about their decision, highlighting all the money and work they’ve put into the club. It’s frustrating to see them being targeted for closure.
With the council claiming they’ll save money, Laura is determined to raise funds to keep the clubs open. She believes they can find a way to make it work.
Councillor Mohammed Rafique from the council acknowledges the tough choices they have to make. He says they’re trying to listen to the community and find the best way forward.
