I AM very concerned about the discontinuation of winter maintenance of our bowling green due to cuts in the budget of the parks and countryside service.

Our bowling greens are a very important part of our heritage and bowling is a very important sport in our borough.

I am particularly concerned that there has been no consultation with any of the bowling clubs about the decision not to maintain bowling greens in the winter.

Many clubs have contacted me with their concerns about the discontinuation of the winter greens maintenance programme, which has resulted in many of the greens now being covered in moss and waterlogged, making them unsuitable and unsafe for play in the coming season.

Many of the clubs are also involved in leagues and, with the greens untreated, this could lead to the loss of bowling leagues in the borough and visiting teams

I cannot believe that there appears to have be no understanding of the long-term effects that this decision will have on the future of bowling in our borough, let alone the important health benefits of this sport.

As a physiotherapist, I know how beneficial bowling is in maintaining fitness and mobility, and it is excellent for improving balance, plus, of course, the very positive social benefits.

This council talks about improving wellbeing and strengthening communities whilst at the same time its policies in relation to people and parks will have exactly the opposite effect. Whilst this cut will benefit the council financially in the short term, the long-term effects on the future of bowling clubs and greens in Trafford will be devastating.

I would ask those responsible, on behalf of all the bowling clubs who have contacted me, to think again of the effect of their actions before it is too late

Cllr Jane Baugh, Priory Ward Councillor and opposition spokesperson for environmental services

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