Plans by West Norfolk Council to deliver a multi-million-pound upgrade of the Lynnsport leisure complex have sparked deep concern among members of Lynnsport Bowls Club.
The proposals, which include replacing the ageing St James Swimming Pool with a modern new pool at Lynnsport, would see the existing bowls hall – home to five rinks since the centre opened in 1991 – demolished and replaced with a much smaller two-rink facility.
That represents a 60% cut in capacity, leaving bowlers worried for the future of their club.
Treasurer Stephen Winter warned the plans could have devastating financial consequences.
“This will reduce income dramatically and with ever-increasing overheads I can’t see how the club can survive,” he said.
Chairperson Geoff Bonnick expressed similar fears about how the reduction would impact competition.
“We have a great club here that provides league games six days a week for all abilities, plus open events.
“The two rinks proposed will just not work. While not ideal, the minimum requirement is a reduction to at least four rinks,” he said.
The club runs an extensive fixture list, with many county-level matches requiring at least four rinks to go ahead.
Members believe the changes would force cancellations and undermine years of work building a strong bowling community in Lynn.
Beyond the competitive side, members fear the social and health benefits the club brings will be seriously diminished. Committee member Ian Whiley said many older members were particularly worried.
Whiley said: “Some of the older members are very distressed and upset over the proposed reduction and the implications.
“With many feeling it will have an impact on their well-being, both physical and mental.
“Knowing they are being denied the pleasure of getting out and socialising with others, while playing the game they love.”
While most members say they understand the need for a modern and efficient swimming pool, they argue it should not come at the expense of another sport that has been part of Lynnsport since its inception.
The bowls committee has pledged to continue pressing for alternative solutions and is working with Sport England and other sporting bodies to explore ways of safeguarding the club’s future.
An Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) has been called for Saturday, September 27, at 12:30pm at Lynnsport Leisure Centre, where members will be updated on the situation and discuss ways to oppose the proposals.
West Norfolk Council insists no final decision has yet been made and says it is listening to feedback.
Cllr Simon Ring, the deputy council leader, said the redevelopment was about securing facilities for the long term.
“Modernising and future-proofing our sport and leisure facilities at Lynnsport would be a significant longer-term public investment,” he said.
“We need to ensure the plans are financially sustainable and meet the health and wellbeing needs of residents today and future generations,” he said.
“To inform our thinking, we have looked at usage data, trends and continue to engage with a wide range of local people and organisations, including user groups like Lynnsport Bowls Club and partners like Sport England and national governing bodies.
“Councillors are carefully considering feedback from everyone to help us make informed choices on what’s best for the future, which includes judgements on which facilities to include and how much space these need. No final decisions have yet been made.”
Cllr Ring said the reduction was based on membership data and national participation levels.
“Unfortunately, demand for indoor bowls in our borough has fallen over many years, reflecting a downward trend nationally,” he said.
“Based on guidance from Sport England and English Indoor Bowling Association, there is currently an oversupply of rinks in the borough based on current membership numbers and projected future demand.
He added that provision for bowls remains within the redevelopment.
“Recognising the value of the sport, we have nevertheless included a brand new multi-million-pound indoor bowls facility within the current Lynnsport redevelopment plans, including office space, social space and lockers requested by the club.
“This planned rink capacity within the redevelopment reflects current usage at Lynnsport, however, we are open to working with the club to explore options to see if we can identify a suitable alternative location for a larger facility elsewhere in King’s Lynn.”
Cllr Ring also pointed to the alternative provision at the Oasis Centre in Hunstanton.
“The Oasis Centre, however, has capacity on its own to accommodate league matches for both clubs, which would not only ensure the continuation of competitive play but also improve rink occupancy at the Oasis, making bowls provision locally more sustainable and in a stronger position,” he said.
“We continue to speak with the club about their aspirations. Redevelopment of a sports centre is a major project and there will be no immediate change to the current provision for bowls at Lynnsport.”
