BOWLERS look set to return to Greenhead Park.

Kirklees Council announced yesterday that a new pavilion will be built at the revamped venue.

Workmen tore down two 1950s timber pavilions last year as part of the £5.4m regeneration of the Victorian park.

Officials planned to build a modern replacement, complete with a kitchen and disabled toilet.

But the work was delayed, forcing the Greenhead Grasshoppers to leave the park and move to Marsh Liberal Club.

However, the council announced yesterday that a new pavilion will be ready in time for the start of the 2012 bowling season.

Kirklees officers met the architect for the building this week to agree construction details.

The council hopes to be able to place the order with the successful contractor very shortly and building work is due to begin within a few weeks.

Council leader Clr Mehboob Khan said: “Kirklees is committed to this programme of works and have everything ready for the spring 2012 bowling season.

“We have pushed this project along at a fast pace to be ready for next spring.

“At the same time, we’ve worked closely with the Friends of Greenhead Park and the bowlers themselves to make sure that we balance everyone’s wishes with available resources, while complying with planning guidance for conservation areas.

“I’m delighted that we are now in the happy position of looking forward to the future and a new home for these important groups.”

Dougie Mellor, away manager of the Huddersfield Veterans team, welcomed the news yesterday.

“I think it’s good,” he said. “Let’s hope the council gets the pavilion up and running and people come back.”

The new pavilion may also discourage anti-social behaviour at the bowling greens.

Earlier this month police said young people were playing cricket at the site, using a sign which reads: “Do not use the bowling green for any other purpose” as a wicket.

Officers also claimed families were using the bowling greens for picnics.

Mr Mellor said: “If people have been abusing the greens they may think they can carry on doing that.

“Let’s hope these idiots don’t harass elderly people while they’re enjoying a bit of bowling.”

Geoff Ramm, of Greenhead Grasshoppers, declined to comment on the new pavilion yesterday.