A BOWLS club in Dursley secured £10,000 from the Big Lottery Fund to develop a new car park on its site in the town.

The new parking area, set to be laid in September, will enable ease of access to the main buildings and bowling green in Chestal Lane.

Project coordinator at the club, Gill Meadows, said she was “delighted” the 67-year-old club would benefit from the lottery funds.

“Two years of planning and applying via the ‘Awards for All’ route resulted in this wonderful grant offer” said Gill.

“This project became viable after a redundant Lister’s electrical substation was demolished directly behind our Green. Having our own dedicated car park will be a real boost to our facility, particularly as the original Lister factory car park we used to use will soon be a housing estate.”

Preparation work has started with the actual car park surface scheduled to be laid in September.

“We need to raise a further £1,350 to make the car park project completely self-funding, so if anyone can help with any fundraising or donations we would love to hear from you,” Gill continued.

“I am delighted that we can use money raised through the National Lottery to go back into this community facility. It is such a peaceful, picturesque, architectural gem hidden right in the middle of Dursley town centre.”

The bowling green, located on Chestal Lane just off from the bottom of Long Street, has been in existence for 67 years. In 1949 the sport and venue was added to the RA Lister Recreation and Social Club for its employees to enjoy.

Gill will be keeping an album of photographs of the project works as they progress both on the club's Facebook page and website (dursleybowlsclub.co.uk).

If anyone is interested in learning more about the game of bowls, Dursley Bowls Club has vacancies for new members. Whether you are looking for a competitive game or just a friendly one, contact Gill on 01453 544379 or John on 519017.