BRADFORD Council has confirmed it is asking bowling clubs in Keighley, Steeton and Silsden to take on the upkeep of greens.

Council sports boss Cllr Andrew Thornton revealed the extent of proposed changes after local councillors raised concerns about the cost implications for clubs.

Bradford and Silsden councillor Adrian Naylor last week warned that bowling clubs, which cater for hundreds of pensioners across the district, would each faced annual bills of thousands of pounds if they were forced to take on the cost of grass cutting.

Cllr Thornton, Bradford’s Executive member for environment and sport, this week confirmed the bowling green proposals were part of a series of draft budget options published for consultation.

He said: "We are talking to bowling clubs about maintenance regimes, charges and the potential for clubs to take on more responsibility for the upkeep of greens.

"National spending cuts and increasing demand for services mean that the council is facing the biggest financial challenges in its history.”