Council blunder leaves Johnstone Bowling Club's green 'unplayable'

The local authority has issued an apology to Johnstone Bowling Club over the blunder, which is believed to have caused thousands of pounds worth of damage to the grass.

Fears have now been raised over the future of the club, which is currently open for only four hours a week due to the state of the playing surface. 

David Beggs, club secretary, said council bosses have been "digging in their heels" over footing the bill for the repair work required to fully restore the green.

He told The Gazette: "Over the winter, Renfrewshire Council allowed two apprentices free reign of the bowling green, which led to it being over-sanded and over-fertilised.

"It basically killed all the grass and the green is now uneven. It is going to be unplayable for the rest of the year.

"Money is going to start running out soon because there is no income, as we can't host competitions and nobody is coming down to the club because they can't get a game of bowls.

"The ground is dead and we think it needs ripped up and started again but the council is not willing to do that, as it will cost them an absolute fortune.

"Our members have just had enough. The existence of the club is now at stake."

The club has received backing from several local politicians, including Renfrewshire South MSP Tom Arthur, as it fights for its future.

Mr Arthur said: "I sincerely hope there will be a positive outcome to all of the remedial works that have been taking place over the last few months and that the green will soon be returned to its former glory.

"I understand how important the club and its facilities are to members and how, for many, Johnstone Bowling Club provides vital connections as a sporting and social hub."

Labour MSP Neil Bibby, who represents Renfrewshire as part of his West Scotland remit, added: "The current situation is clearly regrettable and will have a huge impact on the club. 

"Alongside Councillor Iain McMillan, I have raised this with Renfrewshire Council and hope the council will take swift action to help repair the damage and also support the club through what is a challenging time."

A council spokesperson said: "We apologise for the issues at Johnstone Bowling Club, where too much lawn sand was applied to treat the high moss build-up.

"We have been working hard over the last three months to address this, seeding and top dressing the surface, with our greenkeeper watering the surface regularly. We have also taken soil samples for independent analysis which highlighted high levels of acidity and, in the coming weeks, we are laying a specialist product to counter this before further reseeding work.

"We fully appreciate the impact for the club and, along with our colleagues at OneRen, are arranging a meeting to further discuss the situation and how we can help support them."