Bowlers call for re-think over plans to close Bromborough’s bowling alley

Jun 8 2011 by Lorna Hughes, Bromborough and Bebington News

BOWLERS have called for a re-think over plans to close Bromborough’s bowling alley.

Instructors at Bromborough Young Bowlers Club (YBC) said proposals to replace Bromborough Bowl with a family restaurant would be a huge blow to more than 60 youngsters who bowl there.

The changes are part of a £7m redevelopment of the leisure part of the Croft Retail Park being planned by the park’s owners USS (Universities Superannuation Scheme).

It also wants to upgrade and reduce the Odeon cinema from 11 to seven screens, create a dedicated foyer and refurbish the exterior.

KFC, Greggs and Subway would be relocated if the proposals are granted.

Bowling alley supporters held a noisy protest at an exhibition organised by USS to provide more detail on the plans.

Bromborough YBC instructor Dominic Finnigan said bowlers had not been consulted and questioned why Bromborough Bowl was the only tenant not being relocated.

USS said the Bowl was “operating in an increasingly competitive market.”

Mr Finnigan said: “It’s not a kids’ party like other bowling alleys – it’s a centre of excellence and these are championship condition lanes.

“Last Monday we had a trip down to Nottingham to collect awards and we came home with ten medals, our biggest ever haul.

“If we do close it will have a detrimental effect on our club. These are kids who would be doing nothing else on a Saturday morning if this place was closed down.”

Pete Duncan, secretary of Bromborough YBC, called it Wirral’s “best kept secret”.

USS says its proposals for the leisure area of the park would create 65 new jobs.

A spokesman said: “USS proposes to redevelop part of the leisure section to create a significantly upgraded cinema, new family restaurant and additional retail.

“Since USS acquired the Croft in 1998, it has invested more than £20 million and these latest proposals are part of an on-going drive to make the park more attractive.

“USS presented the proposals at a public exhibition in the foyer of the bowl and cinema on Friday, May 27 and Saturday, May 28.

“The venue was deliberately chosen to increase the opportunity for bowl and cinema visitors to attend.

“The exhibition was advertised on two consecutive weeks, on May 18 and 25 in the Bromborough and Bebington News.

“Posters and a banner regarding the exhibition were displayed at the Croft Retail & Leisure Park. Letters were sent to residents and to all USS’s tenants at the Park.”

Managers at the Odeon Cinema have hit back after the debate over Bromborough Bowl’s future sparked rumours it was also closing.

General manager Marise Sutton said: “We’re proud to announce the completion of a period of investment in the cinema.

“Having installed 11 new digital screens, of which six are also 3D enabled, we’re thrilled to be able to offer our guests an enhanced cinema experience.”