A SERIES of fundraisers are being planned to help a village’s bowling club ahead of local authority cuts next year.

East Lothian Council is responsible for maintaining the surfaces at clubs stretching from Prestongrange to Whitecraig.

But earlier this year, bowling clubs were told that they would have to maintain their own greens as the local authority faced a “significant budget gap”.

With the change coming into force at the start of the new financial year, Ormiston Bowling Club has already started its fundraising efforts.

READ MORE: Council set to stop maintaining greens at 10 bowling clubs

Scott Armstrong, secretary of the village’s bowling club, highlighted the importance of the club to Ormiston.

He said: “We have got a good number of members.

“We have got 75 to 80 members and it is a well-used facility.

“We now need to try to do what we can to raise the funds to keep it going.”

Already, the club does what it can in terms of trying to maintain the green and keep the surroundings tidy.

However, it will still likely need to raise a four-figure sum to ensure that the green is in the best possible shape for the outdoor bowling season.

A series of fundraisers are being planned to help ensure Ormiston Bowling Club's surface is looking its best (Image: Contributed)

The council has already sent out a letter to the various bowling clubs across the county highlighting the situation.

It said: “We recognise the impact this decision will have on your operations and are committed to supporting a smooth transition during this period.

“We will continue to work with your club to help you identify alternative methods of maintenance and agree a plan that works towards an achievable handover.”

On November 30, a Christmas party night is planned for Ormiston Community Centre.

Bingo, a disco and Santaoke (fancy dress karaoke) are planned, along with a fully licensed bar.

The party, which gets under way at 7pm, is the first fundraising event planned for the coming months.

Scott said: “We are looking to do a race night in February in the Coalgate and another few things next year.

“We are going to do a bowling open day, with some on at night.

“It is the start of the fundraising stuff to pay for the green when the council stops paying maintenance fees – we are trying to get ahead of that.”

Discounted entry will be £5 per ticket in advance, available by messaging the club or emailing events@ormistonbowlingclub.co.uk