Your readers may have heard that Watford Indoor Bowls Club is in dispute with Watford Borough Council over the continuation of the very popular bowls club in Woodside Playing Fields, Garston. The facility was built at no cost to Watford ratepayers because money was used from the sale of council houses, which would otherwise have been forfeit to the Government and, since opening in 1991, the club has paid the council rent in excess of £1 million. Since the rent was set at an unrealistically high rate for a bowls club it has proved impossible to meet it in full over recent years. For a few years the council abated the unpaid amount but more recently they have merely accepted it accompanied by full details of the club accounts.

The club is extremely popular with its 370 members, who gain great health benefits from both the actual bowling and the social interaction with their friends. It is on a local bus route and therefore accessible to those who do not drive. The club has been told by council officials on more than one occasion that it is one of the best kept council buildings in Watford and all this not merely at no cost whatsoever to the ratepayers but with funds in excess of £1 million going to the council.

Audrey Watts

Hon Secretary, WIBC