Members of Borough Bowling Club are ‘jack high’ after being granted special status that will protect the use of the Manor Road green and allow them to apply for cash to help the club continue to thrive.

The Scarborough crown green bowling club, established in 1905 and believed to be one of the oldest of its kind in the area, has won North Yorkshire Council accreditation as an Asset of Community Value.

The green is owned by North Yorkshire Council, though it is largely maintained by members of the club. Its surrounding paths and park land is looked after by council staff.

Club treasurer Ken Marshall prepared the report for North Yorkshire Council which led to it granting Asset of Community Value status.

“The Community Asset Scheme runs nationally. It is designed to give local people more control over their resources,” said Mr Marshall.

“Once you have got it, your landlord cannot evict you at a moment’s notice and they have to give you six months to prepare a bid to buy the asset.

“If North Yorkshire Council decided it wanted the land back, it would have to give us six months’ notice to buy the green,” he said.

Due to local planning rules, if the club does not buy the green, North Yorkshire Council has to provide an alternative site of the same or better quality.

“Having Asset of Community Value status absolutely ring-fences control over our destiny,” said Mr Marshall.

It will also allow the club, under the auspices of its secretary Barrie Watson, to bid for a wider range of grants.

“Being granted the status allows us to demonstrate we are a community asset and we have the language and tools which will help with bids,” said Mr Marshall.

Borough Bowling Club boasts more than 90 members who enjoy both social bowling and league competitions across the coast, including Whitby, Bridlington, Eastfield, Hunmanby, Robin Hood’s Bay and Northcliffe in Scarborough.

“The North Yorkshire Council report acknowledges that the club is available for bowling all week throughout the year,” said secretary Mr Watson.

“It encourages intergenerational participation and provides a welcoming environment for all.

“It is a longstanding community hub which has served Scarborough since the beginning of the last century.

“It helps to promote both physical fitness and mental well-being. The club provides an inclusive environment for members who enjoy bowling at club and league levels,” he said.

 It was a cold overcast Friday that saw bowlers from all over the region congregate on Manor Roads Borough Bowling Club for their Annual over 60’s Merit