ATTEMPTS to reopen a controversial Brighouse bowling club in time for the new season next month appear doomed.

Albion Club at Halifax Road, Brighouse, is currently shut following a comprehensive legal victory last year by members of Blakeborough Sports & Social Club, (‘Blakes’).

The dispute followed a long-running battle going back to 2008 when the committee of Blakes suggested selling the bowling club to pay off its mounting debts.

Inevitably, bowling club members bitterly resented the proposal and there has been strife ever since.

Following the legal victory in Leeds last year, members of Blakes decided to shut down Albion and prevent any access to members ahead of the forthcoming new season – citing a lack of co-operation and a refusal to hand over documents.

Yesterday Bob Armstead, a key member of the bowling club faction, said he had seen lawyers to see what action could be taken to ensure access to the greens, including taking out an injunction.

He said: “I am concerned about the current situation. I’ve been told by members that, ideally, they need to be in this weekend to assess the state of the greens. We have at least seven bowling teams, men and women, who play across Kirklees, Calderdale and Bradford.

“We have had to provide guarantees to the Heavy Woollen District Bowling Association that the bowling club will be open for the coming season otherwise there may be penalties to pay.

“I am confident, however, that one way or another the bowling club will be open for the new season, which begins after Easter.”

Les Holmes, secretary of Heavy Woollen District Bowling Association, said: “We were given reassurances by the club that they would be ready in January. There is not a lot we can do about it. The Elland league will begin on April 16.”

Joe Bunni, secretary of Blakes, declined to comment.