BOWLERS are to battle it out with Medway Council officials over the closure of their club.

The Riverside Bowling facility in Chatham is due to be closed down in April. Enthusiasts are meeting officials tomorrow at 2.30pm at the site to discuss the issue.

The bowling community intends to turn out in full force in an attempt to embarrass the council over its decision. They fear the building will be left to become derelict while the council chews over the details for improving Chatham town centre.

Eric Mayes, 72, has been bowling at the Riverside site since 1978, he said: "We hope we will be able to suitably embarrass the council.

"I realise the council has decided the bowling club is a financial liability but it also a facility and they should provide suitable bowling arrangements and not deprive us of our recreation."

Two years ago the bowling facility faced a similar situation but with the help of councillors and hundreds of users the site remained open.