BOWLERS in Mossley have been banned from their green over safety fears.
The Tameside Council owned green, used by Mossley Park Veterans Bowling Club, has been closed indefinitely over an unstable rock face.
It is believed a large piece of rock dislodged and crashed on to the path which surrounds the green.
The closure meant that the bowling club was unable to complete its final fixture at home to Ryecroft in division one of the Tameside Veterans Bowls League.
“Fortunately, we are safe from relegation and Ryecroft were already champions so not playing the game didn’t affect either side,” explained team captain David Schofield who recalled the green being closed for the same reason about 16 years ago.
“Then the green was also shut, and we had to play on another green for 12 months,” he continued.
David added he received a brief message from Tameside Council explaining the green had been closed.
“We would like to know how long it will be so we can make alternative arrangements for next season, if necessary,” he explained.
David added one option would be to move to Saddleworth Cricket, Bowling and Tennis Club where he is captain of the veterans’ bowling team.
A Tameside Council spokesperson said: “The council commissioned a survey of the large rock wall at the back of Mossley Park bowling green.
“The survey has shown that there are structural issues with the wall and therefore we cannot allow the bowlers to enter the green for their own safety.
“A council officer has already spoken to the lead bowler and informed them of the situation.
“Once we have a detailed survey report including possible solutions and costs, we will be able to develop a plan and the bowlers will be updated further.
“We appreciate that this will be disappointing for the bowlers, but everyone’s safety is paramount and therefore we cannot allow them to use the facilities at present.”
As a bowler myself based at Hadfield I can well imagine how disappointed Mossley bowlers must be. Keep pressure on TMBC to get the survey and remedial work done or they will just hope everyone will forget about it. Will follow with interest!
Unfortunately Mossley Park vets are no longer in existence. There were no rock inside the bowling area only on the outside ramp the greensmen came up to unlock the gate to go onto green. The Fence that was put in place adequately stopped further rocks. So now we have no bowling team in Mossley. The green 2yrs later is still being cut but hardly anyone using it which is sad.