11
Dec 2024
Pateley Bridge residents asked for views on proposed fencing around bowling green
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Pateley Bridge residents have been asked to share their views on a proposal to erect fencing around the bowling green.
The Recreation Ground green is leased to Pateley Bridge Bowling Club by joint owners Pateley Town Council and Bewerley Parish Council.
John Shackleton, chairman of the bowling club, today told the Stray Ferret it is not uncommon for people to use the bowling green “as a footpath” or for dogs to “foul” on it.
Mr Shackleton said:
It happens and it is annoying. If the surface gets damaged, it makes extra work for the groundskeeper and also doesn’t present the town well.
The plans.
According to the plans, the railings would be 0.9 metres – or 3ft – high around the perimeter of the bowling green.
The fencing would be painted dark green to remain in keeping with the railings around the nearby playground, with gate locks to enter the club grounds.
Mr Shackleton told the Stray Ferret the club needs the approval of the two councils before pressing ahead with the plans.
If approved, the club would then fundraise to pay for the fencing.
Mr Shackleton added:
I’m hoping we get approval and then we can start raising money to put in the fences. We are hosting one of the main tournaments in the area at the end of the season.
We are the only club in the local league that doesn't have a fenced-off green.
We will have to approach various bodies, like other clubs do, and fundraise.
The plans.
We asked Mr Shackleton how much he expects the fencing to cost. He told us the last estimate he received for the job was around £16,000.
He said:
The fencing needs to be well constructed, safe and a durable finish. It needs to be good quality.
Pateley Town Council yesterday said the bowling club deems the railings to be essential to its future viability.
The council added:
Currently Pateley Bridge Town Council and Bewerley Parish Council are considering whether to grant their permission for this development. They feel it is important to gauge opinion more widely.
Mr Shackleton told the Stray Ferret if the proposal is rejected, the club would be in the same position and “fighting to keep the ground in playable condition”.
To have your say on the proposal, email clerk@pateleybridgetowncouncil.gov.uk or clerk@bewerleyparishcouncil.gov.uk by January 6.
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