Gatty park unveils new bowling shelter

Bowlers at Gatty Park are now set to benefit from the construction of a new bowling shelter. The shelter is the first in the history of the green and something the local bowling community have been requesting for several years. Church ward Councillor Joan Smith stated " the parks bowlers have been asking for some protection from the elements for many years, without much success, so it was really rewarding to find some funding and finally give the Church residents something they needed"

Cllr Smith added, "I do understand that this project has taken a little longer than we hoped but sometimes we are faced with unforeseen issues, however the shelter is now ready for use and will hopefully be a valued asset to the park"

The funding for the shelter was secured through Church & Milnshaw Community group, the former area council now placed in community ownership by the councils labour leaders, which looks to help local groups in the Church and Milnshaw areas. Fellow Church ward councillor, Mr John Broadley, added that this project was a great example of how a local community group, working in partnership with Hyndburn Borough Council, can listen to residents needs and act to achieve something good for the ward.

Church & Milnshaw Community Group (CMCG) has worked on several other projects in the area. This bowling shelter is just one of the achievements it has completed. The current chair of the group also stated "the group is happy to help projects such as this. We do offer a small amount of funding for local constituted groups".

If you wish to be considered for funding please feel free to contact either your local ward Councillors or email Church & Milnshaw community group direct at

cmcgroup@live.co.uk