Maltby: Bowling green to remain open after rethink by council

The green at Coronation Park is one of several across the borough along with the town’s Herringthorpe Stadium which are to stay open following a rethink by the authority on its proposals to cease operation as part of its latest round of budget savings.

Since the possible closure proposals were announced in February, the authority has consulted with users and other interested people, in the hope that ways could be found to avoid closure.

As a result of the consultation a number of bowling clubs as well as Maltby Town Council, have indicated their willingness to step in to continue maintaining greens at four parks. The authority will be working with them over the coming months to draw up agreements for this, and in the mean time, has agreed to continue maintaining the greens involved until the end of the current season.

The other greens are at Valley Park, Barkers Park and Greasbrough Park.

The council was unable to identify anyone willing to take over the greens at Bradgate Park, but the authority will also be willing to discuss the situation if any interested groups do come forward in the near future.

Herringthorpe Stadium will also remain open - at times of peak demand for a 12 month trial period - after a new way of operating was identified in the face of a funding shortage of £60,000.

If successful it is hoped the arrangement can be continued into the future.

Rotherham Council’s cabinet member for culture and tourism, Coun Amy Rushforth said: “I am delighted that these bowling greens and the stadium will continue to be available for people to enjoy.”

“These are very difficult times for the council, but this shows what can be achieved when people rise to the challenges presented by budget reductions.”