MEMBERS of Lostock Bowling Club have been shocked by news that plans to turn the club into the natio (From Warrington Guardian)

MEMBERS of Lostock Bowling Club have been shocked by news that plans to turn the club into the natio

The proposal wasn't given the green-light at the British Crown Green Bowling Association's Annual Meeting two weeks ago.

Had the association's county delegates voted in favour of the move to Northwich, a lottery bid would have been put together with a view to financing widespread development of the Lostock site.

Those plans included nurturing a third green and installing stands for spectators to allow the club to hold major national events. Lostock would have also become the administrative centre for the sport.

But it now seems likely that none of those plans will be undertaken.

Indeed, the club is set to start the 1999 season minus four teams with two ladies teams having moved to Slow 'n' Easy and a team being lost from both the Norley Evening and Norley Afternoon Leagues, so there is little need for a third green.

Martin Griffiths, a committee member at Lostock and a former captain of the first team, said: "To have had the top names in the game associated with Lostock would have been marvellous.

"It would have done wonders for the club's stature and would have put Northwich on the map.

"We could have had hundreds of people coming to the town for major competitions.

"But it won't have any great bearing on the domestic side of the club's affairs. The club's bowlers will not be affected at all."

Griffiths also revealed that most club members had been left in the dark over the plans being dropped.

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