Locals set to take over bowling greens due to cuts

Councillor Carl Macey said East Lindsey District Council has agreed "in principle" to transfer the bowling greens to a new group

The ownership of bowling greens in Skegness could soon be transferred from the council to a group of local people.

In June, East Lindsey District Council (ELDC) said it was planning to cut maintenance at the greens on North Parade because it was too expensive and delivered little financial return.

The competition-level venue hosts the annual national championships of the English Bowls Federation (EBF), with the latest event due to begin on Saturday.

County Councillor Carl Macey said ELDC had "agreed in principle" to transfer ownership to an association of business owners, residents and bowls clubs.

Further talks are due to be held on 3 September, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Supporters of the greens have argued that bowls tournaments attract large numbers of visitors.

East Lindsey District Council announced plans earlier this year to scale back maintenance of the North Parade site

Mr Macey, who is opposing the maintenance plan, said the annual championships "always support the local economy, whether that be our bars, restaurants or hotels, for what is a full week of competition of the highest standard".

A spokesperson for the council said the authority "recognises the historical significance of the venue" and wants to "maximise best use of public monies".

The maintenance cost "was an issue" and the financial return generated for the council by events at the venue "has been negligible".

"We do, of course, understand the counter argument that the annual competitions bring in significant revenue for the local economy," the spokesperson added

"We will work productively with any group to see the bowling greens maintained to an acceptable standard for the EBF competitions and we will invest appropriately justified capital and revenue to enable said group to flourish."

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