An historic Wolverhampton bowling green threatened with demolition has been saved by developers.

Members of Codsall Bowling Club, built in 1921, are delighted after being given an eleventh hour reprieve by Peter Maddox Associates.

The Wolverhampton-based firm has won the contract to continue developing land next to the club after previous builders went into liquidation. And while bowlers had been wondering for months whether the new developers would include the facility in revised plans, the firm has assured them they are safe for the moment.

Secretary Dennis Potts, pictured, right, with Derek Buxton and Doug McDonald, said: “We have negotiated with the new owners to lease the green. We are definitely OK for the 2007 season, and negotiations are ongoing.

“We are very pleased with this news because at one time we were very worried that we would not see next season. All Codsall bowlers are assured of bowling at Codsall this coming season. Any new bowlers are welcome to join us.”

The green is part of a larger site in Codsall which had been left in limbo after previous developers, who pledged to transform the area with a housing estate, went into receivership.

Interplan Design Partnership went into compulsory liquidation. Its partners Interplan Contracts Division and Malvern Properties went into receivership a year ago.

Buyers of unfinished properties in Oaktree Rise feared they would have to foot the bill, and a new clubhouse for Codsall Ex-Servicemen’s Club was left half-built. But an auction was held for the land, and now the future is brighter for everyone involved.

It is now believed that Peter Maddox Associates wants to create offices in place of the ex-servicemen’s club.

Codsall Bowling Club run 11 teams a week, and several players have participated at county level.

By Becky Sharpe