The fight to keep indoor bowling in Huddersfield is being stepped up.

Bowlers who have seen their home at Huddersfield Sports Centre shut down by Kirklees Council now have a new name and a renewed ambition.

They have termed themseves Huddersfield YMCA Indoor Bowling Club and are pressing ahead with plans for a new headquarters with rinks at the YMCA sports complex at Laund Hill, Salendine Nook.

The name change was agreed at a meeting at Brockholes Bowling Club, when bowlers agreed to ratify the change of name from Huddersfield IBC to the new name of Huddersfield YMCA IBC.

The name change was sanctioned by the club members with a unanimous vote.

It was also an opportunity for the bowlers to be updated on progress of the project that will hopefully see the club bowling again in 2016 and a chance for the club to kick start their fundraising efforts to help the YMCA project.

The scheme which will see a four-rink bowling centre erected behind the existing YMCA clubhouse could cost as much as £800,000.

How the new bowling centre could look at YMCA’s Laund Hill sports complex at Salendine Nook

Over £1,000 was raised at the Brockholes meeting and the money will assist the newly-formed club to co-ordinate upcoming events.

Graham Howe, club chairman, said: “What a fantastic response. It is great for the people of Kirklees to have two well established sports clubs come together and provide an opportunity to maintain our sport in the area!”.

The club still remain hopeful to gain the support from Kirklees Council.

The council refused to provide bowling facilities in the new Huddersfield Leisure Centre and have been unable to come up with any alternative for the bowlers, who had used rinks at the former Sports Centre since its opening more than 40 years ago. They have provided limited funds for a feasibility study into a possible scheme at Rastrick Bowling Club.