ISOLATION and poor health are two key concerns for the elderly.

This is why sports such as bowling are lifelines for so many people because they encourage them to not only get out of the house, but to meet other people and enjoy exercise, hopefully preventing other health problems.

This is why news that cuts of £67,000 for two years has sounded alarm bells for many bowlers across Bolton.

The original figure to be saved for each of the two years was £135,000 but this was deemed “over ambitious”.

The fear is not that the cuts will affect the upkeep of greens and clubhouses, with some clubs unable to continue.

One option suggested by the council is that ownership of the sites could be handed to their users.

Clubs have also been advised to apply for lottery funding and grants in a bid to protect their future.

But organisers have pointed out that because of the age and ability of some of the members means this is not possible.

There are also concerns about security, with members facing the prospects of opening and closing sites themselves.

And they do not feel confident using equipment such as lawnmowers required to maintain the greens.

While there are many groups vying for council funding, those that encourage exercise and wellbeing also help reduce the cost to health services.