BOWLCROWN green bowlers in Hyndburn have hit out at council bosses for introducing an annual charge for using their greens.

Hyndburn Council confirmed they will start charging for use of their facilities across the borough.

From April 1 a season' pass for use at a council run green will cost £25 per person.

But angry bowlers said the charge had been implemented because 'older people' are an 'easy target'.

When the plans to introduce the charges were announced the council faced an angry backlash as many thought the estimated fee of £60 a year was too much.

After protests and complaints the council reduced the charge.

Chairman of Oak Hill Park Veterans bowling club said it was 'unfair' to expect pensioners to pay the fee.

Mike Dickinson, 67, from Accrington, said: “Some clubs are struggling for players as it is and you wonder what effect this will have, it’s certainly not going to help matters.

“Obviously £25 is better than the £60 discussed before but nobody was ever going to pay, it was a ridiculous fee.

“Some pensioners have been paying tax their whole life for a better future for everyone and now they’re having to pay for this, some people can’t afford it.

“There’s not much for older people to do, and this will really hit them. They’re an easy target. You wouldn’t see charges put in place to use a children’s playground.

“You can only use the green about six months of the year, you can’t really play in the winter.”

Oak Hill Park Veterans said they will subsidies the fee for members so each member will only have to pay £20.

The group will look to raise funds with raffles and fundraisers to help fund the £5 cost per person.

Brian Bainbridge, 75, who is team captain at the Oak Hill Park Veterans team, said:“They should have postponed it a year at least to give people time to hear about it and prepare.

“The way that they have done it is very difficult for members.

“Not everyone has sufficient money to pay that, so the club is having to do its bit to help out.”

Cllr Ken Moss, the cabinet portfolio holder for leisure, defended the proposals by saying how all sports will have to make adjustment due to government cuts.

He said:”Originally we were looking at about £60 but we thought it would be more fair to put it at £25, which covers the full year.

“We managed to come to an agreement with bowling clubs.

“There’s still a few people that aren’t happy but we’re having to make cuts all over.”