A POPULAR bowling club has been saved from closure after it agreed to share the upkeep with the council.

Officials at Bacup Bowling Club collected a 750-signature petition when it was announced that Rossendale Council planned to close the green to save money on maintenance.

Members, who have been using the green for the past 30 years, are now delighted that they will be able to take part in the new Rossendale Parks League season, which starts on Tuesday. Council chiefs had clzimed the bowling green was not being officially used and said closure would save around £2,000 a year.

But when councillors were faced by angry bowlers, based at Bacup Maden recreation ground, at an area forum meeting last month, reviewed the situation.

Club chairman Norman Phythian said: "We are delighted with this compromise. I have agreed that I will cut the grass once a week and the council will also cut it once a week, which I don't mind doing if it means a vital community facility remains open."

Norman, who lives with his wife Helen at the cottage next to the bowling green, said: "There was a mix-up with the fees. The treasurer went to pay them at the town hall but he was told an invoice would be sent out.

"He went twice to pay the fees but the invoice wasn't received. This has been sorted out now so the fees can be paid in full."

Christine Lamb, Stacksteads ward councillor, said: "

"A meeting was held with Coun Alyson Barnes, who managed to come to an arrangement to share the maintenance between the council and the bowling club.

"Three years ago it was in a really bad state but the council groundsmen have worked hard and done a really good job to make it into one of the best bowling greens in the Valley. It is good to see that common sense has prevailed."