A BOWLING club placed at risk by council cuts to its green maintenance has secured its future after getting much-needed funding needed for cutting machinery.

The longstanding Pelton Fell Bowling Club, near Chester-le-Street, today (Monday, April 4) celebrated taking over its own maintenance – and is now looking for new members.

The club was told last December that Durham County Council would be withdrawing its green-keeping services, due to reduced funding from central Government.

Supported by county councillors Simon Henig and Linda Marshall, club members held intense discussions at County Hall to get £11,800 from a pot of cash paid in by a housing developer as part of a planning agreement.

Club secretary Ray Sills said: “We are delighted. This will enable to be able to carry out the green maintenance by using volunteers from our membership, and to provide secure accommodation in which to house the equipment.”

Mr Sills added: “For the last three to four years we have had the threat of Durham County Council withdrawing grass-cutting maintenance.

“Then in December last year they said this would be the last year they would be doing it.”

Mr Sills said: “We applied for a slice of that funding under the Section 106 agreement and were very fortunate to get it.

“The grant of £11,800 has gone towards buying machinery.

“We do not have storage facilities so had to build secure accommodation to store the equipment, as well.”

A successful application for further funding was made under the Neighbourhood Budget Agreement to buy further equipment.

The club has 60 members.

The club, in the War Memorial Park, Pelton Fell, was founded in 1923 and is affiliated to the Bowls Durham (EBA) Bowling Association.

It is a registered charity, catering not only for bowlers, but also providing other facilities for residents and other charitable organisations.

The current pavilion in the was opened in 2002, built with the help of donations from Sport England, businesses, individuals, club members and other organisations.

It has a range of facilities including a large lounge where carpet bowls is played in the Winter, a pool table and dartboard, a fully-equipped kitchen, changing rooms with lockers and toilets. There is free parking in the grounds of the park.

Annual membership is £40.

Anyone who is interested in joining should contact Mr Sills on 0191- 4179694