North Parade Bowling Green Association plans to take ownership of Skegness bowling greens from East Lindsey District Council

A group of locals is hoping to take ownership of the Skegness bowling greens by April 2025.

In recent months, the North Parade Bowling Greens Association (NPBGA) has held several meetings with East Lindsey District Council (ELDC) about transferring ownership.

The council said it planned to cut maintenance of the greens in June, citing high costs and limited financial return. However, supporters argue that bowls tournaments, such as the annual European Bowling Federation (EBF) National Championship, continue to draw large crowds to the seaside resort every year.

Councillor Carl Macey (Conservative), part of the NPBGA, explained that previous meetings have led to requests for changes to its business plan to help ensure the project's long-term sustainability.

He also noted that Skegness Town Councillor Steve O'Dare and Mike Carr, President of the EBF, have since put together a financial plan, which has now been sent to ELDC in draft form along with the rest of the business plan.

"We await their comments and hope this will now lead to the process moving forward more quickly," said Cllr Macey.

"Our target date for the handover of the greens to NPBGA is April 1, 2025 and we are hopeful that this comes to fruition so that we can get on with enhancing and expanding the already fantastic competition season in Skegness, to benefit our locals and businesses furthermore.”

The Conservative councillor also highlighted that the association had "verbally agreed" a finance support package with the council.

Coun Macey continued: "The greens have been undergoing autumn and winter maintenance carried out by ELDC, with some input from local greenkeeper Duncan Beall, and this is already showing positive improvements."

"However, we are still seeing people playing football on the greens, which could seriously hamper the progress of the maintenance work being done for the next bowls season. This has become increasingly frustrating, so we've asked for additional signage to be erected to raise awareness of what the greens are for.

"We're also pushing hard to get the greens fenced off in a way that will still allow spectators to watch the proceedings."

Coun Graham Marsh (Con), portfolio for leisure and culture at ELDC, added: “The council continues to work collaboratively with the NPBGA and remains in discussion over the future operation of the greens in Skegness.

“The council will of course update the association and interested parties once we are in a position to do so over any future decision.”