Stockport Labour Group’s campaign to save local bowling greens that were at risk of closure by the Lib Dem Council has been successful.

At the Council’s Executive meeting on Tuesday 11th June, Cllr Stuart Bodsworth (Lib Dem Executive Member for Communities and Sustainability) announced that following ‘a huge response’ to the consultation on the cuts proposal from the public, he would recommend that the cuts proposal was dropped.

Labour councillors have been working with local residents and bowling clubs to campaign against the Lib Dems’ cuts proposal since it was announced. Last week we revealed that more than half of the £26,000 that cutting the greens would save was being spent on a consultation by a private firm.

The original Lib Dem cuts plan would have seen seven summer and two winter greens closed, despite being well used and vital to local communities.

Cllr Andy Verdeille, Leader of the Labour Group, said:

“I’m delighted that the Council appears set to drop plans to close much loved and used bowling greens across Stockport. The Labour Group has been campaigning against this barmy proposal from the outset and worked with local bowlers to oppose the cuts.

“However, the Lib Dems are still planning to cut £1million from the Parks Service which will be devastating for services and local communities.”

The Labour Group will press the Lib Dems to keep their word not to reduce the bowling green service in Stockport.