MEMBERS of a bowls club say it is a “crying shame” they have been forced to close after nearly 70 years.

The Rowley Lane Bowls Club, in Arkley, played their last match on the field earlier this month because their clubhouse is being turned into a nursery.

Gillian Carvin, who lives in Arkley, said its 70 members were left “devastated” after they had to cancel matches against other teams at the last minute.

The 63-year-old said: “It’s distressing for everyone in the club that we have been unable to find a way through this.

“It’s been a very friendly club, most welcoming. I am incredibly disappointed, but more frustrated and angry that no consideration to us has been given.

“It is very unfair. Sport is so important, it helps a lot of people avoid loneliness. At a time where the government is trying to get people more active, its strange that a nursery has been given priority.”

Maccabi London told the team they could use the main clubhouse, which is further away from the field, but they refused.

They were also offered the chance to continue using the green and build their own clubhouse - but this could cost around £100,000.

Ms Carvin added: “Where are we supposed to get that kind of money from?

“It’s sad - the members say they don’t want the club to close and they don’t feel like they can join another club. It will be too much of an upheaval.”

Shirley Burrow, who lives in Edgware, has been a member at the club for five years.

The 69-year-old said: “I found it so friendly. They made me so welcome here and there’s no way I could go elsewhere.

“This whole thing is an absolute crying shame.”

Cathy Stamp’s family joined 28 years ago but she quit when she was a teenager, only to take it up again two years ago.

The 42-year-old said: “I am gutted, it’s really upsetting. It’s not just a bowls club, but a family too. It’s horrible and seems just heartless.

“We had a charity day a while ago and the workmen came in and began measuring windows for the clubhouse. It felt like they were dancing on our graves when we weren’t quite there yet.

“This community is fabulous - there’s no backbiting or hierarchy. Nobody wants to join another club.”

David Kyte, a trustee of Maccabi London, said the club had to close due to failing membership - something the players heavily deny.

He added: “They were not willing or able to invest to the future. The bowls green is of a good standard and the bowls club was offered the use of the clubhouse for entertaining and bathroom facilities.

“But they felt that 100 yards or so walk to them would not work for their membership. There are many clubs close by that are open for the bowlers to join, so they have the opportunity to carry on bowling elsewhere should they choose.”