BOWLS clubs have welcomed a re-think on controversial cuts to their sport.

Bradford Council had planned to hand the responsibility for the maintenance of bowling greens over to clubs, a suggestion which provoked angry demonstrations.

Bowlers had said the cuts were being rushed through, with many saying clubs did not have the skills or equipment to cut their greens and would rather pay a maintenance fee instead.

Now the Council’s Labour administration has reconsidered the plans, and are proposing to phase in the cut-backs over a longer period.

It would also give clubs the option of a fee if they do not want to look after their own greens.

The new approach is expected to be approved at a meeting of the Council on Thursday.

Cliff Dennis, of Airedale and Wharfedale Crown Green Bowling Association, welcomed the change of heart.

He said: “That sounds very, very encouraging. I think we would be delighted with that.”

Instead of the maintenance budgets being cut by £50,000 a year over the next two years, the budgets would only now be cut by £25,000 a year.

Council leader David Green said: “By reducing that, we are taking that immediate pressure off them and buying some time.”

He said the authority had a track record of listening to people during budget consultations, and making changes as a result.

The re-think has also been welcomed by the Council’s Liberal Democrat group, which had backed the bowlers’ campaign.

Speaking at a meeting of the executive today, Councillor Howard Middleton (Lib Dem, Bolton and Undercliffe) said: “I’m delighted that has been looked at.”