VOLUNTEERS have been fixing up a bowling green clubhouse as council cuts loom on the horizon.

A new kitchen floor has been fitted at Westhoughton Central Park Bowling Club as boards around the green have been painted by four volunteers from Oldham-based Crane Payment Innovations.

JS Electricals donated an oven and the flooring, while the fascia boards were donated by D&M Windows.

Managing director Leanne Holmes sent her staff to the club which her father joined a year ago after undergoing treatment for cancer.

Before joining, John had nothing to do apart from watching TV and sleep, according to Miss Holmes.

She said: “The club’s given, not only him, but many of the pensioners who attend, an escape during the week.”

The local authority must find savings of £67,000 in the bowling greens maintenance budget over two years.

Miss Holmes added: “They’re going to rely on volunteers to help otherwise the clubs wont’ be able to survive which would be such a loss for all of their members who rely on the club for company and the only time during the week they will speak to other people.”

Bolton Council said it cuts all bowling greens, including the two at Westhoughton, twice a week during the season. Roof repairs costing £1,700 were carried out at the club’s hut last year.

A spokesman said: “Our maintenance and grass cutting schedules remain the same for bowling greens, and we also undertake repairs to huts as needed. The £25 annual permit members pay for allows for unlimited usage across all greens borough-wide and also gives year round access to on-site social facilities.”

Council leader David Greenhalgh said the savings targets have been set but how they are achieved has not yet been decided.

He said: “Nothing will be imposed on these clubs. We will work with them to find a solution which works for everyone.”