A MEMBER of Bournemouth Indoor Bowls Club said the club is paying the council £45,000 in rent to use facilities the council is temporarily closing 'due to the cost of living.'

BCP Council confirmed last week it is 'pausing' the bowls operation at Bournemouth Indoor Bowls Club in March 2023.

A spokesperson said this was due to the impact of the cost of living crisis on council finances.

READ MORE: Council closes Bournemouth Indoor Bowls Club

The Bowls Club said it pays around £45,000 a year to rent the rinks.

Club member Robin Giles said: “I have been saddened to learn of the council's decision to close the bowling centre in Kings Park from the 31st March 2023. I have been a member for many years.

“The centre provides a vital facility for its members. Many members like myself are in the older age group and it provides an opportunity to get vital exercise that we may not otherwise get.

“It is also an opportunity to meet socially with others of similar age and with a shared interest.

"There are many members who find themselves on their own and therefore the companionship provided by meeting at the club cannot be underestimated.

"For some meeting others in this way may be the only social outlet they have.

"I understand that Kings Park was left to the town by the Cooper Dean estate for 'Sports and recreation for the public at large' and I think that bowls fits entirely with that covenant.

"The centre was purpose built for bowls and was part funded by a lottery grant from the European Lottery fund for this purpose. I think it would be a great shame if it underwent a change of use."

Addressing the claim the club pays £45,000 per annum in rent, a BCP Council spokesperson said the council hasn’t owned the bowls club for a full year yet but a rent of around £40,000 for the year was forecast.

A BCP Council spokesperson said: “BCP Council receives an agreed monthly fee for the indoor bowls facility.”

“The monthly fees were reduced significantly following BCP Council purchasing the facility earlier this year.

"The fees agreed under the previous ownership were deemed unsustainable by the club based on the declining membership base over the previous four years.

"The reduction in fees was agreed to assist and support the club in continuing to utilise the facility.

"Unfortunately, like many local councils, we’re working through what the effect of the cost-of-living crisis is on us so that we can be prepared, which has led to the decision to pause the service from April 2023.”