Community Group to Assume Management of Skegness Bowling Greens Next Year

A local community organization will assume responsibility for managing the bowling greens in Skegness, commencing next year. In June, East Lindsey District Council (ELDC) announced its intention to reduce maintenance operations at the North Parade greens, citing excessive costs and minimal financial benefits. During a meeting held on Monday, councillors gave their approval to an application submitted by the North Parade Bowling Green Association, an entity comprising local residents, businesses, and bowls clubs. The agreement stipulates that the council will retain responsibility for the structural components of the facility, while the newly formed association will oversee the upkeep of the greens. ELDC further committed to providing a grant of £100,000 over a five-year period, with an initial allocation of £30,000 in year one, progressively decreasing to £12,000 by year five, aimed at establishing the association on a “firm footing”. Supporters of the greens had contended that the competition-level facility, which serves as the host for the annual national championships of the English Bowls Federation (EBF), drew a significant number of visitors to the resort annually. Steve O’Dare, a town councillor and chairman of the association, expressed his approval of the development and informed the Local Democracy Reporting Service of his expectation for the lease to commence in April. He stated: “It will allow the two resident bowls clubs to continue playing on the greens and the venue to remain the home of the EBF national championships.” He noted that 2025 would commemorate 70 years of the week-long competition taking place in Skegness. He further added: “This along with two other annual competitions that attract bowlers from around the country brings great benefit to the local economy and the competitions would have been sorely missed.” Councillor Tom Ashton, who holds the planning portfolio at ELDC, remarked at the meeting: “It’s good to see local individuals coming together to make something happen.” He continued: “I hope that it’s a success story, not just for this council but for Skegness.”