LETTER: Will councillors vote like sheep?

The bowls club has consistently provided a good case, he just does not want to see it.

Let’s face it, just over two years ago Mr Chowen was quite happy to recommend knocking down the leisure centre without providing a replacement.

He changed his mind then when pressed by the public and he has changed his mind again regarding the bowls club.

I refer to the council meeting in 2012 when it was agreed by the council, following his recommendations and that of the consultant employed by the council to include indoor bowls within the plan.

Mr Chowen keeps referring to membership numbers, may I remind him that we have the largest sports club membership in the Horsham District.

Our playing members were never 800 as he incorrectly quotes.

The numbers have reduced and not surprisingly with the adverse publicity regarding the future of the bowls club.

Over the last few years we have maintained numbers, with an increase this year, despite the Councils efforts to kill us off.

All the new housing will also provide new opportunity to increase members.

Furthermore the bowls club meets fully the financial obligations, paying the council almost £50,000 a year together with an obligation to repair inside and out of the council building and manage the club including public availability without any assistance from the council.

Last year the council cancelled the 20 per cent rate reduction which the club now has to pay. We are self-financing, self- managing but will we be allowed to continue, or will the councillors see the light, not vote as political sheep but be independent over this matter and help to maintain a first class sporting facility and the Horsham district community that use it?

BARRY BAKER

New Park Road, Cranleigh