A PROMINENT figure in Inverclyde's bowling community fears closing its indoor green could increase loneliness among older people and harm the area's chances of producing future champions.
The Indoor Bowling Club on Port Glasgow Road is one of the venues at the centre of Inverclyde Leisure's 2023 budget consultation.
Savings proposals worth more than £700,000 have been tabled - including shutting the bowling club and Greenock Sports Centre and moving the Strength Shed from the latter to the bowls site.
Members of the public have had the chance to make their views on the proposed development known as part of the consultation, which closes on Friday February 3.
Indoor bowling club president Sandy Wetherspoon says the loss of the facility would be 'a tragedy'.
Sandy added: "To lose the facility and turn it into a gym, when there are already so many of them, is ridiculous.
"The bowling club is one of the best in the UK and is the only international-class facility in the area.
"It has been vastly underutilised."
Sandy claims Inverclyde Leisure has shown a 'lack of enthusiasm' for the facility and 'lack of understanding' of the sport in recent years.
He added: "The people who work there are fantastic and do an amazing job but there's no real interest in getting people through the door.
"There has been disinterest from Inverclyde Leisure in the past.
"We've always been constructive with them."
Sandy is concerned about the consequences closure would bring.
He added: "We have some older members who only play indoors.
"If that's taken away there's nothing for them and they could be left very socially isolated.
"Bowling is one of the few sports that anyone can play, it's very inclusive.
"We should be using this facility to develop younger players and encourage them into the sport.
"We're producing Scottish champions and top young talents and we need to be able to continue to do that."
Sandy believes the pricing structure has not done the centre's prospects any good.
He said: "I believe our facility is at the very top end of costs within Scotland.
"People pay their membership fee and then have to pay every time they want to play as well.
"Some members are ending up paying about £750 a year and in this day and age, that's too expensive.
"It's putting people off joining and forcing people to stop playing.
"There must be a way of decreasing costs to bring in more people."
Sandy wrote to Provost Drew McKenzie to express his concerns and the civic leader is sceptical about the closure proposal.
Cllr McKenzie told the Telegraph: "These are very difficult times for all local authorities and difficult decisions are having to be made.
"I think councillors will need a lot of convincing about this one.
"A lot of investment has gone into our Indoor Bowling Club in recent years and this has provided Inverclyde with an international class facility that is well used in the winter months.
"Perhaps other uses for the hall during the summer months should be explored.
"I'm sure it could host events of all descriptions if suitably marketed.
"Is Inverclyde not well enough served already with gyms?"
A spokesperson for Inverclyde Leisure said a detailed consultation with the bowling club had been arranged to discuss questions and concerns.
They thanked everyone who has completed the survey so far and encouraged anyone else still to do so to fill it out before the deadline.
To complete the survey visit www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/InverclydeLeisureBudget2023
Pictures by Alex Craig
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