From Fred Williams:-

READER Ken Griffiths (Mailbox, August 25th) referred to the closing of the indoor bowls centre at Tranmere Rovers Football Club being the responsibility of one individual. There is no doubt he is referring to me, as I was Chairman of TRFC at that time.

His statement was completely inaccurate, as the whole of the Board of Directors were fully aware of what was going on, with the exception of Mr Norman Wilson, who was against the closure, being a keen bowler himself.

All the directors, together with Peter Johnson, the principal shareholder, realised that we had to look for an alternative use for the bowls facility. This was for one reason only and that was to increase the income to the Football Club.

I, as Chairman, had no axe to grind regarding the closure of the bowls and if we could have avoided closing it we would have gone down that road.

I had many meetings with Geoff Clare, who organises the bowls section, in an attempt to find a solution. I found Geoff a good gentleman to do business with and I am sure that he will substantiate what I have to say. I know that the new management have now extended the closure date for 12 months because they are not ready to proceed with an alternative use. I would have done exactly the same and offered the same facility under the circumstances. A small income on a property is better business that no income and leaving a place empty.

However, I should like to ask the writer of the letter if he was (hypothetically) renting out a premises for £100 per week, but was then able to rent out the same property for £500 per week, what would be his choice? I wish the bowlers a happy season, but I must ask Mr Griffiths to obtain the full facts before going to press in future.

Address supplied.

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