CLUB bowlers have quit after power and water were cut following a row over thwarted plans to build houses on the green.

The committee of the Hollins Grove Liberal Club, Darwen, took their action after claiming the bowlers contributed little money to the costs of the Falcon Avenue venue.

Now the 23 team members have left because they cannot pay for the utilities themselves.

However, captain Jack Dearden said any acrimony had now disappeared and he accepted the club was in a perilous financial position and had to make difficult decisions.

A row between the bowlers and committee broke out in April when plans were announced to build five houses on the bowling green. The bowlers amassed an 80-name petition against the proposals and Blackburn with Darwen Council subsequently rejected the application for outline planning permission.

Club secretary Wright Shaw said the club would fold if the green was unable to be sold to a property developer. Membership has plummeted from 700 to 300 in recent years and the club owed money.

The committee has since launched an appeal against the decision. A date is yet to be set for this.

Mr Shaw said the bowlers contributed little to the club, except their £6 annual membership, and rarely bought drinks at the bar.

"It costs £3,000 for insurance for the club. We turned off the electricity and water, but they can still use the club - they will have to pay for the bills themselves," he said. "We are not the only social club struggling. It seems to be a trend. Twenty or thirty years ago, dads used to come with their sons. Now everyone goes to pubs and clubs.

"We need to sell the bowling green as soon as possible to keep us afloat."

Mr Dearden said: "I don't bear any grudges because they are short of cash. They are doing what they have to do. I wish it had been different, but we have to find a new home now. We tried to survive by paying the electricity and water, but we couldn't manage it. We have looked after that club so much over the past ten years and it is very sad."

He said the team was looking at using the Lower Darwen Memorial Ground.

Mr Shaw appealed for people to support the Liberal club with its variety of activities including karate on Monday and Wednesday, bingo on Tuesday and line-dancing on Thursday as well as a function room - information on 01254 701300.