Bowling clubs in Angus facing the prospect of closure or a hike in members’ fees have toasted a small victory.
Three out of eight council-owned greens face the axe, with other clubs also seriously affected, after moves were made to standardise rates paid at the facilities.
However, The Courier has found there has been “an oversight” by officials, who promised the worst-hit clubs an eight-month consultation period that was never entered into.
Montrose area clubs at Rossie Island, Hillside and Melville are expected to begin charging members extra to meet maintenance costs from April. Two clubs only found out on February 4, but they have now been granted a possible stay of execution.
Members of the smallest club affected, Inch at Rossie Island, would have to stump up £600 per person per year by 2017.
Treasurer Kath Evans said her club would still close unless a “miracle comes up”.
“Because of costs the council are putting forward we just cannot afford to continue,” she said.
