THE sport of croquet was lost forever to the residents of Barrowford at the council meeting at Nelson Town Hall on April 24.

A petition by residents objected to the proposed use of the old recreation field off Pasture Lane by the Croquet In Pendle Club as an alternative venue, when their notice to quit lawns at the Nelson and Colne College expires at the end of this season.

A request to the council for tenancy of this field for this purpose was refused.

Restoration of the old recreation field for croquet by a club which has been providing this sport for the community for the past 15 years, during which time it has become increasingly popular, would have been one of the finest gifts any sports club could give to a proud village like Barrowford.

At no expense to the residents, the restoration would have enhanced a potentially attractive area and brought business to the village from long distance visiting players who appreciate the tourist attractions, but these resident objected.

Contrary to the impression given at the council meeting, the club would have preserved and enhanced public footpaths across the site by discreet tree planting. The club had also been advised to make its on-site car parking available to the general public as a countryside amenity to avoid parking on the highway.

A public interpretation board was to have been erected for walkers and ramblers to be informed about the Second World War connections with this site. An attractive timber pavilion for hospitality and storage was to have been built in keeping with the rural character of the field.

The residents had seen only two lawns being played on at the club's present site, unaware of the four main lawns behind the college. Unaware that five lawns were required for the croquet club, they were puzzled by the need for the big field.

However, there would have been a surplus and the club had already agreed to this being let for continued grazing in keeping with the country scenery.

The croquet club is unlikely to give up its search for another site, but this could be as far away as West Craven. A lease to the croquet club of the old recreation field would have been 25 years' protection to the residents against development.

BETTY BRIERLEY (Miss), Vice-chairman, Croquet in Pendle, Colne Road, Burnley.