A POPULAR bowling green in a Huddersfield park is to be surrounded by steel security fencing.

Kirklees Council officials have taken the reluctant decision to fence off the green in Ravensknowle Park, Moldgreen, after repeated problems with yobs and vandals.

A planning application for the 1.8-metre high (6ft) fence has been submitted.

The fence will go round the top green in the park, which is widely used by veteran bowlers from across Huddersfield.

It follows a series of incidents - including a vicious attack on a bowler during a match.

Similar fencing has already been erected at Marsden Park, to protect the bowling green.

Others may also have to be fenced in.

Geoff Hirst, of Kirklees Leisure Services, said: "It's a sad sign of the times.

"There is a small minority of people who are determined to ruin things for people who enjoy our parks and bowling greens.

"We have had all sorts of problems in Ravensknowle Park, including people using the greens for football and golf, as well as general vandalism.

"We are having to take similar measures at some of our other parks."

Kirklees planning officials will consider the application in a few weeks.

If the green is fenced in bowlers will have to make arrangements to play through the various clubs which use the facilities.