Police talks over bowling club vandalism

3 Sep

Town councillor Gillian Wroe met with the local policing team to raise the issue of vandalism at the Central Park bowling club.

Vandals trashed the bowling club, leaving members, who are mostly senior citizens, to pick up the pieces the next day.

Newly elected Liberal Democrat councillor Wroe said: “Following the vandalism at the bowling club, I attended the Police Surgery with two members of the club.

“We had a long chat with one of the Neighbourhood Policing Team about the ongoing issue of theft and vandalism at the club and park. He assured us that the issues are taken seriously and that the team do take steps to track down the culprits, if they have sufficient information.

**Councillor Gillian Wroe met with police officers to discuss the vandalism**

“He confirmed that it is usually the same small groups of perpetrators with one instigator leading others on.

“We discussed possible steps that could be taken to alleviate the problems. There are no ‘quick fix’ solutions but doing nothing is not an option.”

Town councillors met last week on Monday - they discussed a number of issues:

the condition of the pavilion
how town centre funding will be spent on the park
security of the bowling club including the boundary fence height
vandalism from people climbing onto the pavilion roof
the reopening or provision of new toilets in the park
the provision of a defibrillator in the park
the fees that the bowling club is required to make to Bolton Council
the cost of cutting the second green

Town councillors agreed to request more information from Bolton Council on these issues and they will report back at a future meeting.

**Councillor Arthur Price at the Central Park bowling club**

The bowling club is also working with Bolton Lads and Girls Club to explore a possible initiative working with young people.

Westhoughton councillor Arthur Price said: “The bowling club is a lifeline to many and our park is enjoyed by residents but more needs to be done to protect it and make it a pleasant environment for everyone.”