A 109-year-old institution of Penarth had to submit a request for funding support for the first time in its history to the town’s council, and it might have to wait a little longer to see if it’ll get any cash.

Penarth Times revealed in March, Belle Vue Bowling Club is fighting to keep the club from extinction after the Vale of Glamorgan Council demolished its clubhouse and rebuilt a community centre in its place.

Built in 1914, the bowling club was described as “the heart of the community” for over 100 years, but, due to council changes, they have lost their original clubhouse with facilities and funding.

For the first ever, the club turned to Penarth’s town council for around £1,500 of support, however a decision on whether the council will release these funds has been “deferred”.

The club, described by Councillor Mike Cuddy, Welsh Labour for St Augustine’s, as an “important part of the community,” was previously funded by Vale Council, but has lost that funding stream.

It’s estimated to cost between £10,000 and £15,000 a year to keep the green to the standard of bowls requirements.

Penarth Times: Presidents welcome at Penarth Belle Vue Bowling Club with the old clubhouse in the backgroundPresidents welcome at Penarth Belle Vue Bowling Club with the old clubhouse in the background (Image: David Purser)

Penarth Times: It can cost £15,000 to keep the bowling green maintainedIt can cost £15,000 to keep the bowling green maintained (Image: Newsquest)

In March, David Purser, chairman of Penarth Bowls Club, said: “It’s a shame, indeed upsetting that the Vale Council seem to be pushing their proposals for this new building which is neither in keeping with its surroundings nor includes any provision for Penarth Belle Vue Bowls Club to extend its 105-year history.”

Malcolm Thomas, a member of the club, added: “We need to keep the club going, that’s what you want. The history of the club is important to us, we’re talking about being 110 years old next year and that’s important to us because of the history.”

On the funding application, Councillor Mark Wilson said: “We do need some clarity, like who does the work on the grounds? I would ask for more information from them.”

Councillor Kathryn McCaffer, Independent for Plymouth Ward, said: “I do not see enough information here for us to see what we can do for them.”

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