A LOCAL authority leisure boss has promised to help local indoor bowlers find a home for a new indoor arena.

Blackburn with Darwen borough's executive member for well being Cllr Damian Talbot made the pledge to members of a special local working group on the issue at last night's Council Forum.

Bill Stemp told him: "Bowling has over 8,000 registered players in Lancashire and is the second most participated sport in the county after junior football.

"There are over 300 purpose built indoor bowling centres in England but none in Lancashire. Bowlers are reduced to limited playing time in the local leisure centre on an uneven floor with rolled up mats because our only other option is to travel to Leeds or Penrith to play at the nearest custom built site. Would you agree that this is totally unjustifiable and undertake to support us in rectifying this unacceptable situation?"

His colleague John Schofield said: "We are aware that local council funding would not be an option in financing the construction of a custom built indoor bowling venue.

"Therefore, if alternative funding became available, would the council be prepared to work with us to identify an accessible council owned location at zero or minimal rent?"

Cllr Talbot said: "I fully understand and share your sadness that there are no specifically dedicated indoor bowling facilities in Lancashire.

"Locally the initial plans to rebuild Darwen Leisure Centre did not originally include a sports hall – but through public consultation a sports hall was added, with extra storage for the bowling mats, with the loss of squash courts and a larger gym and at an additional cost to Council.

"The council does support the sport of bowling but as you know, it is not at the present moment, in a financial position to provide capital or revenue investment to a dedicated facility. We continue to offer support and advice to you and the group.

"Whilst we cannot commit that there is a suitable council owned building I am happy, to meet with you as early as practically possible and would be absolutely willing to support and advise the group should alternative funding be identified."