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Fears that Port Sunlight's bowling greens may be under threat after a financial disagreement have been temporarily allayed. Port Sunlight Trust which manages the village, is wanting to charge the clubs which use the greens £8000 following a recent financial review. The money will go towards maintenance costs which total appproximately £20000 a year.

There are four bowling greens, sited at various locations in the village, enjoyed by at least five pensioners' teams. The five clubs involved, however have grave concerns over how they will meet these potential costs.

Dave Fowler, secretary at the Lever Club, siad:"The Club has always been under the impression that the rent we pay covers the cost of the bowling greens. Most clubs have very little revenue and simply cannit afford this amount of money."

But fears that this season's games may have to be cancelled have been set aside following the outcome of a meeting between the clubs and Port Sunlight Trust last Thursday. With all the fixtures already in place for this season, the Trust has agreed to work with the clubs ensuring that the fixtures will go ahead.

Lionel Bolland, the Trust's Chief Executive, said:"The Trust has discovered the immense cost of the upkeep of the greens and we are looking for some kind of financial contribution from the clubs who use them.However we had not realised how committed the teams were as all the fixtures have already been planned. We have therefore agreed for them to go ahead this season. We are concerned about this matter and now we have time to find something acceptable for everyone next season. There are a variety of possible outcomes and we will work with the clubs as best we can to meet their needs."

Katy West
Wirral Newsgroup
March 12 2003