ANGRY neighbours are fighting to save their bowling club to help keep “something beautiful” from being turned into a car park.


Barnet Council may launch a consultation about creating parking spots at the front of Victoria Park, in Ballards Lane, Finchley, or on the open space on the green of the Victoria Bowling Club.


Nick Williams has been a member of the 90-year-old club for three seasons and is also part of Finchley’s Residents’ Association.


The 58-year-old, who plays bowls three times a week, said: “It seems outrageous. It would be sacrilege to the environment, the world does not need another car park, and we need green spaces.


“The club is part of the borough’s heritage. It is shocking they are even thinking about a car park. It’s a mad idea, they would be turning something beautiful into a car park.”


Member Gary Bargroff, 67, wants to set up a croquet club on the lawn being considered for a car park and the idea has gathered interest. 
The idea has gathered a lot of interest, and members are excited about the prospect of introducing another sport into the community.


He said: “We have heard rumours, out of the blue, that a car park could be built around the green. It is not fair to the community, a lot of residents around the park are not happy. We do not see why we should be changing our quality of life for parking spaces.


“We have a lot of people visiting our club, it is popular and a viable club. They should put the community first.”


In August last year, the club beat the odds and won the Coronation Cup at a tournament.

In 2006, the club was on the brink of closure after two separate arson attacks destroyed the women and men’s clubhouses.


But it rose from the ashes and in 2009, Barnet Council donated £440,000 as part of a regeneration project, allowing it to open a unisex pavilion. 
Bowling club member, Frank Kelsall of Finchley, said he would find any threat to the club “very worrying”.


He said: “I have been a member of the bowls club for a long time. It is a hugely enjoyable and much welcome place. The loss of the club would be bad, it is a poor idea.”


Barnet Council says it wants to invest the money from the sale of Victoria Park Lodge.
A spokesman , who the authority refused to name, said: “One idea was to look at bringing the existing car park to the side of the bowls green into wider public use, however no final decisions have been made and would not be taken without a full public consultation.


“We will continue working with local groups and ward members to design a master plan for Victoria Park. It is important we hear the views of residents and we will be sending out further information.”
For information call Mr Bargroff on 07956 546457.