Louts put bowls club at risk
Elderly bowlers today told how their beloved Black Country club was in danger of being shut down due to years of attacks and intimidation by yobs.
Pensioners, some of whom have played at Buffery Park Bowling Club in Dudley for 40 years, say they are regularly spat at and subjected to verbal abuse.
They also say lawless gangs have ruined the once-pristine green by playing football on it, balls have been stolen and one member was even threatened with a knife when he asked for one to be returned.
The football has churned up the surface to such an extent the club could be thrown out of various leagues because the playing surface is not up to scratch.
Many older players have been put off playing at the council-owned green amid fears of being targeted, while many are considering quitting the game altogether or joining other clubs.
Club member Graeme Underhill said today: "It's been going on for years now but things have been getting out of hand recently.
"They are wearing football boots with studs and it's just tearing up the surface and making it unplayable.
"We've started having complaints from opposition teams because the green is in such a bad state, and we're getting into trouble with local leagues because it isn't up to a good enough standard."
He added: "Some members here have been playing for 40 years and are thinking of packing it in because they don't want the trouble.
"We're at our wits' end and seriously thinking about calling it a day."
Unfortunately the immediate future does not look good for the beleaguered club with Dudley Council only spending money on greens that have no form of boundary.
Phil Parker, spokesman for Dudley Council, said: "Work was prioritised to be carried out at Mary Stevens Park and Wordsley Park this year as these bowling greens had no form of boundary.
"If funding becomes available we will certainly consider installing fencing at Buffery Park bowling green."
