COUNCILLOR Adrian Naylor has raised the alarm that, worryingly, Bradford Council is looking to make a saving of £50,000 on the grass cutting of local bowling greens following the release of its budget proposals for 2015/16 – Bowling clubs at risk with cuts (Keighley News, January 8).

Even more worrying is the fact no official notification or communication has been received from the council, and Steeton Bowling Club has already set its budget at its AGM in November. Any last-minute cuts could put the club at real risk.

Cllr David Mullen estimates the annual works at Steeton Bowling Club to be in the region of £5,000 per annum, with the club currently making a contribution of £350 to the council.

Steeton has a membership of 52 people at present, of which 85 per cent are retired and, therefore, on low income. How can the council possibly expect these cuts to be financed by pensioners who are making an effort to stay active? Surely this will have a knock-on effect to the NHS and local community?

Bradford Council should at least meet with the bowling club to discuss its intentions so an amicable agreement or compromise may be achieved, as any last-minute cuts that haven’t been budgeted for could prove catastrophic, bearing in mind there has already been an increase of 16 per cent on the rent of the room at The Hub, commencing April 2015.

DAVID WILSON

Steeton Bowling Club president