ANGRY bowlers are refusing to pay their annual green fee until security is beefed-up to keep yobs out.
Retired police inspector Dave Broadley, secretary of Princess Elizabeth Bowling Club, has rallied his 28 members.
And he "advising" them not to pay Hull City Council – owners of the green – a penny until they get adequate security.
He said: "None of us have a problem paying out �32 a year – if we have a decent surface to play on.
"But sections of the mesh fencing that surrounds the green are being stolen.
"It is ending up, I am told, in people's gardens in north Hull.
"People are then getting on to the green and churning it up. We have had motorbikes on it and people playing football. It is not on."
Mr Broadley, 65, says, in the last two years, sections of fence have been stolen from the green off Hall Road 12 times.
He said: "Most of us are getting on a bit and we have paid taxes our whole lives. Surely it is not too much to ask for a decent playing surface?
"A lot of people round here, particularly the retired, enjoy a good game of bowls. But we can't when it's full of holes, at best, filled with sand.
"At times, it is like trying to play a game of bowls on Scarborough beach. It is impossible."
"We play in The Veterans' League. It is embarrassing for us when teams come to play us."
Mr Broadley said he decided to rally other members after the latest theft that happened last Monday.
"An 18ft piece of fencing was stolen," he said. "It has left the green totally exposed."
Mr Broadley said park rangers have told him they have seen the same type of fencing in front gardens on the estate.
"The park rangers are out and about and see what goes on," he said. "They have seen sections of fencing, matching the descriptions of those stolen, in people's front gardens.
"It looks as though the sections are being stolen to order. I have reported the problem to the police and council and nothing seems to be done."
Councillor Terry Geraghty, ward councillor for Orchard Park, said: "I can understand Mr Broadley's concerns.
"There has been a spate of vandalism in the past few weeks and one or two kids have got on to the green.
"I have a meeting with the other ward councillors next week. We will see about getting them a permanent, more robust fence."
Do you have a story from Orchard Park / north Hull? If so, call reporter Kevin Shoesmith on 01482 315266.
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