BOWLERS have failed in a last ditch attempt to hold on to their green at a doomed social club.

Now teams are having to disband, leaving around 100 players looking for somewhere else to bowl.

The popular Duke Street Social Club suddenly closed after its owners, Chorley Sports and Leisure Ltd, revealed huge losses.

The seven bowling teams who regularly use the facilities were left in the lurch. But a special meeting with company bosses ended in disappointment.

Cyril Green, chairman of the bowling section, said: "It was an absolute waste of time. They couldn't give us any assurances. We asked if there was any chance of the club being reopened and they said there wasn't.

"We are just disbanding and having to go to other greens. That's seven teams having to find another bowling green in town. It's a big blow to the town and to the bowlers."

Mr Green, aged 71, of Pall Mall, Chorley, described the green as " one of the best in the district."

It is used by players from leagues such as the Chorley District and Chorley Ladies League. Lancashire Ladies also play there two or three times a season.

The bowlers rejected an alternative arrangement from the company, as Mr Green explained: "What they did was offer the Woodmans at Bamber Bridge, but that's no good to Chorley teams. We just turned it down because of the travelling."

Bosses at the now boarded up Duke Street club - formerly known as Leyland Motors - will allow the bowlers to see out their season next month.

"It's really sad. I was right upset," added Mr Green. "I would say the green has been going for 80 or 90 years. I know my uncle played on it."

Chorley Sports and Leisure Ltd, whose chairman is Jack Kirkland - also chairman of Chorley FC - acquired Leyland Motors Social Club when it went into receivership two years ago, together with Chorley FC social club at Victory Park.

Janis Bowyer, company operations manager, said: "As we said in the original press statement, we would allow them to finish the season and regrettably the place is shutting. There is no more."

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