Council debate on petition to save Gainsborough bowls hall

Councillors will debate a petition signed by hundreds of residents calling for the Gainsborough Indoor Bowls Centre to be saved from closure.
West Lindsey Leisure Centre in GainsboroughWest Lindsey Leisure Centre in Gainsborough
West Lindsey Leisure Centre in Gainsborough

The bowling hall at West Lindsey Leisure Centre is set to be turned into a health and wellbeing hub as part of the district council’s £1.4 million revamp of the facility.

West Lindsey District Council said that the hall is empty for most of the year as the bowls club only uses it during winter.

Talks have been ongoing to find nearby alternative venues for the bowls club.

However, members of the club have called for the decision to be reversed, with over 900 residents signing a petition to save the bowls hall.

The petition, which will be presented to and debated by Full Council at a meeting in Gainsborough on Monday, April 9, asks the council to: “Reconsider the closure of the purpose built bowls hall which gives so many residents of Gainsborough and the surrounding district the chance to continue their hobby providing exercise mentally and physically, competitiveness, a social life, comradery and friendship that the bowls club provides.”

Councillor Trevor Young, Liberal Democrat ward member for Gainsborough South West, has asked the council to temporarily suspend its decision, and carry out a further consultation with the intention of potentially retaining the centre.

In a motion also to be debated by Full Council, Councillor Young will say: “This council notes that the provision of the Gainsborough Indoor Bowls Centre has benefited thousands of residents over the past 27 years.

“This council recognises that sport and leisure provide huge benefits towards good physical and mental health amongst our residents and supports better health and wellbeing especially for the elderly.

“This council agrees with medical research that availability to social activities help reduce social isolation and reduces pressures on important services such as the NHS and social care.

“This council supports that access to sport and leisure should be for all age groups.

“The council recognises the huge amount of public support against the proposed closure of the indoor bowls centre.”