WYRE bowlers who are flushed with anger at plans to close toilets near the greens may get their way.

After a storm of protest over the money-saving closures the council may be ready to consider a u-turn.

"The vast majority of bowlers are pensioners and most likely to need the use of a toilet more than younger folk," said Mrs Eileen Price, secretary of Wyre Borough Bowling Clubs United which represents hundreds of bowlers.

"It would also be a disaster during festival week when hundreds of bowlers from all over the country come to the borough for a week's enjoyment and competitive bowling. Imagine how they would feel if there were no toilets available at the bowling greens."

After the complaints the bowlers were due to meet with the council this week and Coucillor Len Jolley, social environmental portfolio holder, said: "There is obviously a great deal of concern about the proposed closures. Given our commitment to listening to the views of the local community we have decided to halt the closure process, for the time being, to see if there is any way to keep the conveniences open.

"It may be that alternative arrangements can be found, where at least some of the public conveniences will remain open and where the council can still make the necessary financial savings."

Mrs Price said that the council had suggested the clubs take over the running of the toilets but they could not afford it.

"We think there are other ways they could find cuts rather than shutting toilets."

It had been suggested to Mrs Price's club, Ashdell at Thornton, that they use Thornton Sports Centre toilets but, she said, that was a good five-minue walk.

"The other day the green keeper was not there and the toilets were closed so the men were using the bushes."