AYR’S Northfield Bowling Club has decided to remain closed for now to avoid putting players at risk of COVID-19.

Despite lockdown restrictions for bowling clubs being relaxed last Friday, the club has taken the decision to stay shut for the time being.

And they are not alone, with Ayr Seafield also taking the decision to remain closed for now.

The restrictions were lifted on Friday, May 29, giving clubs the green light to reopen providing they implement safety measures.

But last week, ahead of the anticipated return of the sport to Ayr, the Northfield club decided it was not possible for them to meet the strict requirements.

Instead, they will wait it out for the next phase of the lockdown route-map, which is currently in its first phase.

A spokesperson for the club said: “After discussing the stringent requirements we would have to meet to facilitate bowling at this time, it was decided to remain closed.

“It is hoped that the next phase of the roadmap out of the current lockdown will make it easier for our club to meet the requirements.

“This may be as soon as three weeks after the current proposals.”

Bowling clubs were told they would have to introduce a rink booking system, maintaining a log of seniors who bowl, and that toilet facilities would not be usable.

Members would only be allowed into locker rooms one at a time and only to collect their belonging.

In addition, all mats and jacks would have to be stored after use which the club say would have placed a “burden on and potentially cause discomfort” to members.

The club also had concerns over being able to facilitate this, as the organisation is run by volunteers.

But the club have placed the health of members, many of whom are at high risk of coronavirus, at the heart of their decision.

A spokesperson added: “The overriding concern of the management committee at this time is the health and safety of our members and we are not prepared to cut corners, even inadvertently.

“Our risk assessment is that our approach is the correct way forward at this stage.”

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