A huge cheer went up on Saturday morning as bowlers cut their way through a steel fence and back onto their bowling green in Newsome .

The bowlers decided to act earlier this week after businessman Stuart Smith who bought a two-year option on the land at Newsome Tap , formerly Newsome WMC, St John's Avenue, earlier this year, fenced off their entry.

Thirty bowlers then entered their clubhouse and enjoyed a game of bowls on the green in glorious autumnal sunshine.

Newsome Green councillor Andrew Cooper said: “The bowlers have been bowling here since 1905 and have been denied access to their own green.

“At their meeting on Tuesday it was decided that they would regain access and they have now done so.

“The important thing here is that the ownership of the land is in dispute and the bowling club’s solicitors have outlined why they think they have a strong claim to this land to Stuart Smith’s solicitors and the liquidator’s both of whom have not responded.

“They firmly believe that this is a separate entity from the WMC and say it should never have been included as part of the liquidation package.

“It is really up to Stuart Smith now to engage with the legal process. There is a real desire to see that this is sorted out in a legal manner.

“Obviously we told the police that this was going to happen and they regard it as a civil matter.”

But Mr Smith said: “I said I would give the bowlers to the end of the bowling season and I have honoured that commitment. What has happened here today is criminal damage and I shall speak with the police.

“They have unsecured the site, it is private property, it has never been a community bowling green. They have tried to register is as a community asset behind the receiver’s back. They have no right to be here. It is mine and I have all the documentation here.”

He added that he had offered bowlers the chance to pay to go on the green saying they could pay £5 for the privilege each time. The offer came with either a couple of pints or soup and a sandwich.

Newsome bowlers celebrate after removing the fencing