Bowling News
We have previously reported on the threat to bowling greens in Leeds as the City Council looks to halve the number of greens that it manages and there is a similar threat to Greenhead Park bowlers from Kirklees Council.
Unlike Huddersfield, the bowling greens in Leeds are predominantly owned and managed by the Council and contained within park settings. Like most councils, including Kirklees, Leeds are under tremendous pressure to produce a balanced budget which will reap massive savings in costs with bowling greens and parks seen as one area of making a significant contribution to those savings.
The latest development in this saga is a response from one of the Leeds clubs under threat of losing their green. The Secretary of Kippax Bowling Club has put together a written response to the plans of Leeds City Council with this eloquent reaction.
Bowling Greens Under Threat – A Community Asset We Cannot Afford to Lose
Leeds City Council (LCC) has announced plans to close a considerable number of the city’s bowling greens as part of their cost-saving measures, aiming to cut £140,000 from their budget. While the council faces undeniable financial pressures, this decision risks sacrificing an invaluable community asset that delivers far-reaching benefits for our city’s residents.
Bowling greens are more than just patches of well-kept grass. They are the heart of many communities, providing a safe and welcoming space for people of all ages and abilities to gather, stay active, and foster meaningful connections. For many older adults, bowling is not just a pastime—it is a lifeline. It promotes gentle physical exercise, supports mental well-being, and combats social isolation, offering a sense of purpose and belonging that many otherwise lack.
Evidence of Bowling’s Benefits
Numerous studies and reports highlight the significant health and social benefits of Crown Green Bowling: •
Health and Well-being: Research shows that regular bowling reduces the risk of falls, improves mobility, and enhances overall physical fitness, particularly for older adults. These benefits reduce the demand on overstretched health services.
Mental Health: Bowling greens serve as a sanctuary for mental well-being, providing routine, community interaction, and a sense of achievement. These elements are critical in combating loneliness and depression.
Social Cohesion: Reports, including LCC’s own Ageing Well Strategy, emphasise the importance of accessible spaces that foster intergenerational connections and build stronger, healthier communities.
By closing these greens, LCC risks undermining its broader public health objectives, which explicitly recognise the importance of preventative measures in reducing strain on adult social care and healthcare systems.
Cost vs. Benefit: The Bigger Picture
While LCC aims to save £140,000 annually by closing bowling greens, the long-term costs far outweigh the immediate savings. A cost-benefit analysis reveals:
Current Savings: Each bowler indirectly saves the council approximately £1,120 annually through reduced demand on health and social care services.
Growth Potential: By increasing the number of bowlers by just 5% annually over 10 years, the cumulative savings could exceed £17 million, far surpassing the proposed cuts.
Preventative Care: Preventing falls and reducing loneliness among older adults can save tens of thousands in emergency medical interventions and mental health services, underscoring the preventative value of bowling greens.
Maintaining and growing participation in bowling offers an economic and social return on investment that far exceeds the short-term savings.
A Call to Action
Leeds is a city that prides itself on inclusivity, well-being, and community spirit. To lose these greens is to turn away from these values. If LCC moves forward with these closures, they will not only destroy a cherished tradition but also dismantle an essential resource that supports the physical and mental health of so many.
To date, LCC have not provided any impact assessments – financial or otherwise and have not responded to several letters and emails to do so. In addition, LCC have been provided with fifty examples of where they could investigate cutting costs, again, no response has been forthcoming. Ultimately, we are talking about saving between £35 and £90 per hectare across the whole of Parks and Countryside managed by LCC. Is it really necessary to close bowling greens to make these savings?
For many, bowling greens are more than recreation—they are a lifeline. Leeds cannot afford to lose them.
Mr Robert Earl, Secretary, Kippax Bowling Club, Leeds, LS25
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