CROWN green bowlers are hoping to be one of the first groups to resume their beloved sport once restrictions are lifted and it is safe as many of their members are over-70 and should be vaccinated soon.

Bolton has a long-standing crown green bowling tradition with dozens of greens located around the borough and thousands of registered players.

But the sport has had a rough time in the past 12 months, and not just with the pandemic putting paid to the 2020 season almost entirely.

Last month, Bolton Council made the decision to reduce their subsidy of the sport by around £67,000 per year as they prepare to make cuts of around £39m over the next two financial years.

Currently the majority of the clubs’ amenities are funded by the authority and it is currently subsidising the sport by around £171,000 per year.

Playing fees will now rise from £25 for the summer season to £45 in 2021 and then £65 per person for then on.

Clive Fenn is the chairman of the Bolton Parks Veterans Amateur Bowling Association.

He has written to his members expressing hope for a return to action later this year, noting the advancing age of many players could mean, providing restrictions are lifted, them being out on the greens soon.

He said: “I know we have been in difficult times but we may be getting to a position where we may be able to think about bowling in the coming season with all over 70s and vulnerable people planned to have been inoculated by mid-February with other age groups over the age of 50 due to be vaccinated by early summer.

“This should then allow most bowlers to bowl.”

Mr Fenn also thanked those who protested against the rise in fees.

He had earlier warned that the ‘massive increase’ would mean many members would be unwilling to pay.

As a result clubs will lose members and have insufficient bowlers and thereby drop out of leagues and some greens fall out of use.

He added: “The consequence of this is potentially decimating our leagues and eventually to the demise of much of the bowling community in Bolton.

“In addition to the decimation of our leagues individuals’ health will suffer due to reduced exercise and social interactions.”

Mr Fenn is now asking all bowling club secretaries to contact their current team members and see whether they will be able to raise a team for the coming season in league and cup competitions.

He said: ” I must say thank you all to those of you who e-mailed the council a month ago objecting to the proposed increase in Bolton parks bowling permit fees.

“As a direct consequence of our protest the increase in the cost of permits was restricted to £45

” However, I understand this figure could be subject to inflation plus six per cent, which would make the cost of permits to be between £45 and £50.”