Bowlers 'aghast' at closure of local rink

Bob Fleet says bowling helped him back to health after a triple bypass

A group of Cumbrian bowlers have started a campaign against plans to repurpose their rink into an indoor sports pitch.

They said it would leave elderly people in Cleator Moor with less opportunities to socialise and exercise.

The town deal board, which is renovating the centre, said a long mat option to play indoor bowls would be available during the off-season.

But those who attend the sessions said it will not be enough to accommodate the dozens of players.

Martin McDowell says the mat provided in off-season will be like "replacing a swimming pool with a paddling pool"

Martin McDowell, 77, from Moresby Parks, is among those challenging the closure.

He said the majority of bowlers were of retirement age and the club gave them a chance to meet people and get fit.

Mr McDowell, who lost his wife 11 years ago and retired eight years ago, said since then the game had been a "large part" of his life.

He added that during the winter months there would not be anything else for elderly people to do, and questioned why there was not more consideration for the players.

Noreen Fleet, 81, has been attending the club with her husband Bob, 85, for more than a decade.

She said she would miss the indoor rink, and does not know what else she will be able to do instead.

Noreen Fleet says the club is great for people on their own as no partner is needed

Members of the club say 60 people sometimes come along to play

The changes to the town's activity centre are part of the town deal which includes over £20m from the government's Towns Fund, along with another £18.4m from match funders.

Bob Metcalfe, from the town deal board, said the new centre would provide sports, alongside health and wellbeing services.

Mr Metcalfe added he appreciated this was a change to the purpose-built bowls rink, but a compromise was found to provide a wider range of activities.