CITY bowlers hope to secure their long-term future within a fortnight amid an ongoing battle with Worcester City Council.

Consortium Cripplegate Bowlers, who are made up of six clubs, expect to be given a new five-year lease to use the greens in Cripplegate Park, St John’s.

Their last agreement for the Tybridge Street site expired more than a year ago and they have been locked in negotiations with Guildhall officials over having it renewed.

The volunteer-run group have been at odds with the council ever since the installation of the street refuse centre, next to their greens, in 2008.

Bowlers feel that move, and the delay on the lease, shows they are not wanted and have pointed to the addition of wooden posts to restrict parking under trees lining the park as further evidence.

The consortium, who already fund the maintainence of three greens at an annual cost of around £15,000, claim they will lose £8,000 in revenue from Worcestershire County Cricket Club overflow parking as a result although the council have allowed them extra spaces for bowls matches.

However, the group, who have around 200 members, are determined to stand their ground in the long run and believe the new lease will give them security.

Secretary Pat Stokes, whose husband Peter is a trustee of the consortium, said: “We are going to have a lease for the next five years but we’re still awaiting it. We have been assured that it will be with us within the next couple of weeks but it’s 18 months overdue.

“It expired a year ago this April and, by rights, we have been told we are trespassing but nobody has come forward to turf us off.

“They have accepted the fact we are here but we really have no rights at the moment until this lease is signed.

“They wanted £850 rent with us doing everything. We kicked up a bit of a fuss about it and now they’re giving us that £850 as a grant.

“It makes me feel that they’re putting all sorts of pitfalls in our way and I think they’d be absolutely delighted if we said we’ve had enough.

“They are blaming the financial situation at the council yet they can afford to put the posts up. It’s a situation where finance is being blamed all the time but basically they don’t do anything for us.

“They seem to be taking things away from the older generation. People look forward to playing here and it is a highlight of their lives.”

A council spokesperson confirmed they do want the club on the site and the lease, which is essentially free, had been agreed by the cabinet in February.

It was also stated the posts had been put in place to allow better access to the recycling plant.

As part of the budget cuts, the council said they have to make best use of the space.

The consortium comprises Powick, Brotherhood, Grosvenor, County Ground, Cripplegate Ladies and Worcester Ladies bowling clubs.

Greens are also open to the public from 11am until dusk at a cost of £3, which includes woods and shoes, for unlimited sessions.

To book, call 01905-426338.