SUPPORTERS of Ryedale Indoor Bowls Club are being urged to attend a special meeting of Ryedale District Council next month.

An extraordinary meeting has been called in a bid to prompt a discussion of the decision to sell the facility, off Scarborough Road in Norton, which is due to close later this month.

Five district councillors – John Clark (Lib), Tommy Woodward (Lib), Sarah Ward (Lib), Robert Wainwright (Ind), Brian Maud (Ind) and Peter Walker (Ind) – have signed a motion to discuss the provision of indoor bowling in Ryedale on Thursday, May 9 at 6.30pm.

Coun Clark said: “It is an opportunity for the Tory councillors on Ryedale District Council to consider their actions to date.

“It is also an opportunity for the massive number of people in Ryedale who want a full-size indoor facility to express, by their numbers, the need for a facility.”

Members of the district council voted to sell the site last September after a report said that the club’s survival had only been secured by the council halving the annual rent to £10,000.

Di Keal (Lib Dem), mayor of Norton and district councillor, said: “I am delighted that the council is going to revisit the subject of bowling in Ryedale and hopefully the future of the bowls club in Norton and trust that members have listened to the views of local people.

“The strength of feeling that has been expressed since the council made its decision to sell the club where bowls players and so many other local groups meet to enjoy sport and other activities proves how much this unique facility is valued.

“I urge my fellow councillors to recognise these views and support the facility to move forward and help secure its future for the benefit of Ryedale residents.”

Barrie Elener, bowls club member and campaigner, said: “We need to let district councillors know what we think of the decision to close this unique indoor bowls venue in Ryedale.

“If the centre closes or is sold, the people of Ryedale will never get another indoor bowls and leisure centre. Selling the centre also totally contradicts and flies in the face of Ryedale District Council’s proclaimed ‘Sports strategy’ for all people.”

Mr Elener said even though people may not play indoor bowls, they would also lose a venue for clubs, charity events, business seminars and family celebrations.

“It really is now or never. The centre closes at the end of April, very likely for good unless some of the more public-spirited and caring among the Tory group of councillors can be persuaded to change their minds,” he said.

Coun Linda Cowling (Con), leader of Ryedale District Council, said she welcomed the meeting.

“There are a lot of myths out there about the bowling club and this meeting will provide a good opportunity to get all the facts out there and the reasons why the decision to sell the site were taken,” she said.