A top bowler has joined the fight to save a Huddersfield green.

James Davison, who captains the Yorkshire side, has joined many others in fighting to save the former Newsome WMC bowling green from development.

The new owners of the former club and green have applied to build houses on the site - a move which has attracted fierce opposition.

Mr Davison, who bowls for Thongsbridge, insists the green must be saved.

He is the captain of the Yorkshire away side and said: “A key reason for our home team’s success was the choice of green - Newsome WMC.

“It is a green which has often been used by the junior and senior county teams for key matches. It is arguably THE best green in Yorkshire.

“You will understand therefore why the members of the club and the wider bowls community in Yorkshire are shocked and concerned by the recent application to build on the green. I would like to add to the many voices in opposition to these plans.

“The plight of crown green bowls in modern society, with so many alternatives open to our younger generation, is a difficult one. However the sport remains strong and competition at the top level of the game is fierce. There remains genuine interest across the country from bowls supporters.

“As a long-standing member of Thongsbridge BC I can tell you from first hand experience that, within Yorkshire, Huddersfield is a key district for bowls. It has the largest membership of any district with hundreds of teams right across the age spectrum.

Newsome is a test for each and every person who plays there. If the green was to vanish it would leave a serious hole in the recreational facilities available to the local community, not the mention the hundreds of bowlers who play on the green every year and the elite county players who rely on the green to enhance Yorkshire’s chances in the county championship.

“It would be irreplaceable in my view. Newsome needs to be saved at all costs”.

Feelings are running high after businessman Stuart Smith revealed he had put plans in to Kirklees Council to build four townhouses and three bungalows on the top-rated, 110-year-old green at the back of Newsome Tap.

Mr Smith bought a two-year option on the land from the Official Receiver after Newsome WMC went into liquidation in January.