Scotland’s top female tenpin bowler says the closure of Dundee’s only venue for her sport is a huge blow to the city.
The Megabowl at the Stack Leisure Park, in Lochee, has closed, leaving over 20 members of staff without a job.
Laura Rhoney, who hails from Dundee and lives in Coupar Angus, said dozens of bowlers competing in leagues and international competitions in the city would be left without nearby facilities to train.
“I train there three of four times a week but the nearest bowling alley is in Dunfermline, so I will have to use that now. It will have a huge impact on the training that people do and the game as a whole.
“There are a lot of sportspeople in Dundee who use it. It is always busy on a Friday, and Saturday night too.”
The 32-year-old, who works as a sales rep, said she hopes a buyer will be found for the centre.
“I have been Scottish female champion for the last 13 years and a lot of that is to do with Dundee. I trained there. I got my first perfect game there so I am really sad to see it closing down.
“I really hope someone will buy it over and reopen. Dundee is losing everything and Megabowl is the kind of thing that keeps people off the streets, doing something healthy and fun.
“It is a real shame and a big loss to the city.”
The Megabowl had 36 lanes and an amusement area, pool tables, a Zapp Zone and a restaurant.
Lochee councillor Tom Ferguson has brought forward a meeting with senior and commercial planners following the “devastating” news.
“I am desperately sorry about the job losses,” he said. “We cannot afford one job loss in Lochee or Dundee. The status of Stack Park is of my utmost priority and I will be pushing to get a new business into the unit.”