Update on crown green bowling consultation

The council began seeking people’s views at the start of this month over possible changes to bowls provision as part of wider efforts to tackle the unprecedented financial challenge it is facing.

The council recognises, however, that one of the two options under consideration – the money-saving closure of 30 municipal greens – would cause significant upheaval for the bowling community in Leeds.

Particular concerns have been raised about the possibility that some sites could close before the start of the 2025 summer season on April 1 and the impact that might have on the ability of local leagues to function as normal this year.

The council has therefore decided, after listening to the initial feedback received, that the current survey will be phase one of a two-part consultation process.

This first phase will end, as planned, on January 26 but will now be followed by a second stage that will allow for further detailed discussions with the city’s bowling clubs – including those that have expressed an interest in taking over the upkeep of the greens they use.

As such, the council has committed to maintaining all existing municipal bowling greens until the end of the 2025 summer season.

Councillor Mohammed Rafique, Leeds City Council’s executive member for climate, energy, environment and green space, said:

“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.

“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.

“Since we began gathering views on the proposed changes to crown green bowling provision, players and clubs have told us they feel more time is needed for the plans to be considered.

“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.”

Leeds currently has 61 council-operated outdoor greens, which are spread across 47 sites and cost more than £350,000 each year to maintain.

Closing 30 of the greens would deliver a net annual saving of £140,000. It would also allow the council to target its existing maintenance resources across fewer locations, with the anticipated result being better cared-for bowls facilities that could be used by multiple rather than single clubs.

The second option under consideration would see all 61 greens staying open but would also – to mitigate the ‘lost’ savings of £140,000 – mean a rise in the season ticket prices paid by players.

Figures show three-quarters of Leeds's existing council-run crown green bowling sites have fewer than 30 members. If the closures were to go ahead, Leeds would still have a greater number of council-run sites than other large cities such as Birmingham, Manchester and Nottingham.

To take part in the survey, click here. People with questions about the plans are asked to e-mail cgbconsultation@leeds.gov.uk.

The 30 bowling greens earmarked for potential closure are spread across a total of 24 sites in 19 different council wards. The sites are Aberford Bowling Green, Acre Close Bowling Green, Allerton Bywater Sports Ground, Armley Park, Bramley Park, Chapel Allerton Park, Churwell Park, Cranmore Recreation Ground, Gildersome Park, Grove Hill Park, Halton Dean – Primrose Valley, Harehills Park, Holbeck Moor, Kippax Common (Green Lane), Micklefield Park, New Farnley Park, Roundhay Park, Tarnfield Park, Tyersal Park, Western Flatts Cliff Park, Westroyd Park, Whinmoor Park, Woodlesford Park and Woodside Recreation Ground.

ENDS