THE future of a bowling club is being threatened because of the state of its battered public green.
Margaret Gunnill, president of the Hebden Royd Bowls League, said she feared Hebden Bridge Bowling Club could fold because of the state of the green, which has been the target of anti-social behaviour.
The bowling green at Calder Holmes Park, Hebden Bridge, has bald patches and bumps, damaged by people playing football, golf and riding bikes.
"Less and less people use the green now and if we continue to lose members to other clubs we will no longer be a viable bowls team and will have to withdraw from league fixtures," said Mrs Gunnill.
"We are not saying people are deliberately setting out to damage the grass but they are damaging it by using it for other things."
Other players have complained to Mrs Gunnill and the club is calling for fences and signs warning people to keep off the grass.
She said: "We work hard to provide a pleasurable sport to men and women.
"Unfortunately, the people of Hebden Bridge will be denied this facility if nothing is done about the state of the green.
"Fences and signs have been installed at other clubs in Keighley and Kirklees and the grass has recovered wonderfully."
Margaret Jones, who has been bowling for about 18 years, said in the summer, groups of youths hang around the green, shouting abuse and intimidating bowlers. Graffiti has also been scrawled across the pavilion.
"I have been bowling and teenagers have been throwing apples and things at us." She said she alerted the police and the council.
The putting green and tennis courts have also received similar treatment.
Hebden Bridge town councillor Stewart Brown is supporting the campaign.
He said Calderdale Council, which owns the park, needed to take action to protect the "precious local amenity".
"There are things that can be done in the short and long term. Although there are private clubs for bowlers in the area, having a public green of good quality is something I am committed to."
A council spokesman said: "The council has been liaising with the police on this issue and continues to work to maintain the bowling green and the rest of the park."