Council accused of ‘killing off’ indoor bowling in Milngavie and Bearsden altogether

Milngavie MSP Gil Paterson is pressing the local authority to come up with alternative accommodation for the Allander Indoor Bowling Club.

Despite an original assurance, the council has excluded the bowlers in its design plans for the new Allander Leisure Centre.

The current centre accommodates the club but they now face being evicted.

In a letter to Gerry Cornes, the chief executive of the council, Mr Paterson highlighted how indoor bowling is predominantly a sport for older people and particular popular for those who are retired.

With over-65s making up 22.5 per cent of the population in East Dunbartonshire, the loss of indoor bowling would be a “real blow”, he said.

The MSP added: “I have written to Gerry Cornes to get some answers for constituents of mine at Allander Indoor Bowling Club, who now face losing accommodation altogether.

“It is deeply saddening, considering the ageing population in East Dunbartonshire, and our striving to be a healthier nation, that a local authority is prepared to essentially kill off a sport like this.

“Of course, I am glad that there is to be a brand new Allander Leisure Centre, but it is incredibly unwelcome that they did not include indoor bowling in the new design.

“I am pressing East Dunbartonshire Council to come up with a solution and help find alternative accommodation for this great local bowling club. I hope I hear back from the Mr Cornes with some productive ideas I can share with constituents.”