The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Bowlers vow to play on despite roof woes
Arbroath: Club has to deal with asbestos but is told building is safe
An Angus bowling club is vowing to play on, despite the discovery of asbestos in its roof space.
Arbroath and District Indoor Bowling Club is working with Angus Council to get funds to remove the substance and replace its ceiling.
However, members have been assured there is no immediate danger and play will continue while the committee makes plans to begin work at the end of the 2018-19 season.
It is thought removing the asbestos could cost as much as £60,000, with repairing or replacing the internal ceiling likely to add thousands more to the bill.
Club president Lynn Kinnear said air tests had been conducted at the 18,000 sq ft premises on Cairnie Road following the discovery and the building had been deemed safe for members and visitors.
The asbestos was found by a contractor and the roof space has since been sealed up.
Mr Kinnear said: “We’ve had to get firms to come in and give us a quote but we still don’t have the number of estimates we require.
“The ceiling has to come down and it will require a completely new ceiling and
“I found the club to be more than just an indoor bowling arena. It’s actually a community. DEREK WANN
any associated work with that and electrics.
“That is the other estimate we are waiting on.
“Air tests were conducted and there is no trace of asbestos in the playing area, recreational area or office.
“Everything continues to work as normal and the building is absolutely safe.”
Mr Kinnear said funds would have to be found to pay for the work but members were now focusing on the end of the 2018-19 season.
Arbroath East and Lunan Conservative councillor Derek Wann has been offering his assistance to the club.
He said: “The Arbroath Indoor Bowling club will require to source funds to pay for its asbestos issue.
“Angus Council is assisting with looking for funding streams and helping the committee complete the application forms.
“On my visit I found the club to be more than just an indoor bowling arena.
“It’s actually a community where people come to meet and blether, have lunch and the odd pint.
“They have 10 employees, full and part-time and the club is a really important part of the community, with members and visitors from all over Angus and Dundee.
“In the coming months it will be looking at ways to raise the money and it would be great if the people of Angus could assist.”
The club’s premises were purposebuilt 51 years ago.
The building contains eight rinks – an area large enough to hold a bowling match.
gstrachan@thecourier.co.uk