BOWLS players have lost a battle to change a parking restriction they claim puts their club at risk.

Woodford Bowls Club called for a one-hour ban on parking in The Broadway, Woodford Green, to be moved from 2pm to 10am so it does not coincide with matches, which often last hours.

A limited number of parking bays are available in the area, but members say the restriction deters opposing teams from visiting the club.

But earlier this week councillors voted against the proposed change, arguing it would cost too much.

Doug Catmur, internal competitions secretary for the club in Kings Avenue, said: “They have put the final nail in the coffin of Woodford Broadway. I am flabbergasted and totally disappointed.”

“The big blow is all our ladies’ games all start at 2.30pm. I don’t know what impact this will have on our current membership. Those who travel by car could well consider going elsewhere, it’s an absolute disgrace.”

He added that the recent victory against council proposals to implement 7am to 7pm pay and display parking bays in The Broadway seven days a week was a false dawn for the club.

Monkhams ward councillors have also expressed concern that the restriction will harm trade at a key shopping time.

At the area two committee meeting on Tuesday, September 27, Cllr Linda Huggett spoke against the current one-hour restriction.

But seven of ten councillors voted against making the change.

Cllr Hugget said: “Because of the downturn in the economy we have to do our utmost to support local business and all of our local businesses have said ‘Please change the hour so people don’t have to rush off after they have had their lunch'.”

A consultation showed a small majority in favour of the change, but councillors decided the £5,000 bill was too high.

Cllr Ian Bond said: “I don’t see in these figures any reasonable cause for making the change.”

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