City faces axing half its crown green bowls sites

Almost half the crown green bowling facilities in Leeds could close under money-saving plans being considered by the city council.

People are being asked to have their say on the proposal as part of the council's attempts to find nearly £275m in savings over the next five years.

There are 61 council-operated outdoor greens spread across 47 sites which cost more than £350,000 a year to maintain.

Plans include reducing that number to 31 or keeping them all open but increasing the season ticket prices paid by players.

The council said it was keen to gather a broad cross-section of views from people who use the sites, and said it appreciated they "make a valuable contribution to many people's mental and physical health".

By reducing the number of facilities from 61 to 31, it said it would be able to focus its budget on "better cared-for bowls facilities that could be used by multiple rather than single clubs".

This option would save £140,000 from the 2025/26 financial year onwards.

The second option would mean an increase in fees "to mitigate the 'lost' savings of £140,000".

A consultation is open until 26 January and people are being encouraged to have their say on the council's website.

The council said if the closure plans got the go-ahead, Leeds would still have a greater number of council-run crown green bowling sites than other large cities such as Birmingham, Manchester and Nottingham.

The 30 bowling greens earmarked for potential closure are spread across 24 sites, including Armley Park, Holbeck Moor, Kippax Common and Roundhay Park.

Councillor Mohammed Rafique, Leeds City Council's executive member for climate, energy, environment and green space, said: "The proposals for our crown green bowling sites reflect both the seriousness of the situation and the need to explore every possible option that will help us balance our budget.

"We would also stress that the council remains fully committed to supporting crown green bowling and other activities that play a positive role in people's health and wellbeing."

Stewart Golton, leader of the city's Liberal Democrat group, said closing greens could cost more in the long term by affecting older people's health.

He said: "Hundreds of mostly older people across the city are set to lose access to a sport that keeps them physically fit and active, and helps improve their mental health by avoiding people feeling isolated at home."

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