Leeds City Council has pledged to keep all 61 municipal crown green bowling greens open until the end of the summer season in 2025, amidst financial pressures and community concerns about proposed closures. With a phased consultation process underway, clubs are encouraged to take part in shaping the future of bowling in the city, ensuring the sport remains a cherished part of Leeds culture.
What is the future of crown green bowling in Leeds?
Leeds City Council has committed to maintaining all municipal crown green bowling facilities until end of summer 2025, following a phased consultation process with local stakeholders. The maintenance of the 61 outdoor greens ensures the continuation of the sport while the council explores sustainable solutions amidst financial constraints.
Leeds City Council’s Commitment to Maintain Bowling Facilities
Leeds City Council has officially announced its decision to continue the upkeep of all its crown green bowling facilities until the end of the 2025 summer season. This decision comes amidst the council’s efforts to confront substantial economic challenges. At the beginning of the month, the council initiated a public consultation to gauge opinion on potential changes to bowls provision. The council is facing a tough financial landscape, necessitating a broad review of services to identify possible savings.
The council was considering two main options – one of which was the controversial proposal to close 30 municipal greens as a cost-saving measure. This proposal, understandably, drew considerable attention and concern from the local bowling community. The potential closures, if enacted before the onset of the 2025 summer season on April 1, could disrupt the normal functioning of local leagues this year. In light of these concerns, and the feedback received, Leeds City Council has opted for a phased consultation process, which will allow for more comprehensive dialogue with stakeholders.
Councillor Mohammed Rafique, the executive member for climate, energy, environment and green space, expressed the council’s stance, saying, “The council has been clear that its financial situation means it needs to make difficult decisions, with staffing reductions, building closures and asset sales being explored across all service areas.” He further added, “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.”
The Future of Crown Green Bowling in Leeds
The first phase of this two-part consultation process will conclude on January 26 as originally planned. It will now be succeeded by a second phase, which aims for further detailed discussions with the city’s bowling clubs. Some clubs have already shown interest in taking over the maintenance of the greens they use, indicating a potential new direction for the sport’s infrastructure in Leeds. With all existing municipal bowling greens maintained until the end of summer 2025, clubs and players are afforded some respite and opportunity for adaptation.
Leeds currently boasts 61 council-operated outdoor greens across 47 sites, requiring an annual maintenance expenditure of over £350,000. The alternative to closures, as proposed, would be for the greens to remain open, which would necessitate an increase in the season ticket prices to offset the savings loss of £140,000. This move could strike a balance, allowing the council to focus its resources on maintaining fewer but higher-quality facilities that could be shared by multiple clubs, rather than just one per site.
“While the financial pressures are real, we hope that the revised consultation arrangements will alleviate the immediate concerns regarding the 2025 summer season and also help us work together to find the best way forward in the longer term,” Councillor Rafique remarked. The council seems poised to negotiate a sustainable path for crown green bowling that considers both fiscal responsibility and the sport’s cultural significance in Leeds.
Public Engagement and Survey Participation
Leeds City Council encourages public participation in the ongoing consultation. Engagement with citizens is not only about gathering a wide range of opinions but also ensuring that the decision-making process is inclusive and transparent. The council is committed to taking into account the voices of players, clubs, and the wider community before finalizing any changes to the crown green bowling provisions.
The 30 greens under the threat of closure are distributed across 24 sites in 19 council wards, illustrating the potential widespread impact of the proposed measure. Locations include Aberford Bowling Green, Acre Close Bowling Green, and Armley Park, among others. Interested parties can take part in the survey and contribute their perspectives on the future of bowling greens in Leeds by clicking here. For direct inquiries, the council has provided an email address: cgbconsultation@leeds.gov.uk.
Despite the challenging financial outlook, the council’s actions suggest a dedication to finding a balanced approach to service provision. By maintaining an open and phased consultation process, Leeds City Council demonstrates its understanding of the value that crown green bowling brings to the community. It’s a reassurance that while times may be changing, the traditions of bowling in Leeds are given due consideration amidst the evolution of the city’s public services.
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- Leeds City Council has pledged to keep all 61 municipal crown green bowling greens open until the end of the summer season in 2025.
- The council initiated a public consultation process to gather opinions on potential changes to bowling provisions amidst financial pressures.
- A controversial proposal to close 30 municipal greens was previously considered, but the council opted for a phased consultation to address community concerns.
- Some local bowling clubs have expressed interest in taking over the maintenance of the greens they use, presenting a new direction for the sport’s infrastructure.
- The council encourages public engagement in the consultation process to ensure that the voices of players and the community are considered before finalizing any changes.