Eastbourne Bowls Club captain Peter Hensman has revealed his shock at council plans to increase parking fees by a “staggering” 2,000 per cent.
The dramatic hike would see annual parking costs for members rise from £40 to £840.
Many elderly members have already indicated they would be forced to quit the historic club if the increase goes ahead.
The 127-year-old Eastbourne Parade Bowls Club now faces an existential threat due to Eastbourne Borough Council’s plans to remove a long-standing discount.
Eastbourne Bowls Club captain Peter Hensman said the increase is “staggering”
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Speaking to GB News, Peter Hensman said: “We were sort of staggered and worried because of the possibility of clumsiness.”
Martin Daubney said: “It’s quite the hike. I mean, £40 a year, you know, that’s totally affordable, but £840? I’m assuming many of your members are pensioners.
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“It’s their social lifeline; it’s their way of staying mentally healthy and physically healthy. What’s the reaction been within the club to what seems like an eye-watering increase?”
He responded: “Well, as you said, several of our members are saying, ‘We just can’t join. We can’t afford it.’
“The bus service around here isn’t particularly good, and they can’t carry their bowls or get to the club.”
Martin said: “And you’ve been around since 1897. You’ve got 70 members, it is absolutely wonderfully healthy, physically and mentally.
“And of course, a lot of people lose more friends as they get older. Have the council been remotely forthcoming in seeing the light?”
He explained: “I think they’ve got a bit of a panic on. We got a message inviting us to meet with the chairman of the council tomorrow to discuss the matter again. I hope we’re going to get a compromise.”
Club secretary Gill Waters described the council’s proposal as “catastrophic” for the future of the club.
“For many members, their friends and social life is at the club and those who have been coming here for decades would no longer be able to afford to do so,” she warned.
Eastbourne Borough Council defended the decision, citing “unprecedented financial pressures” on public services.
A council spokesman explained: “For nearly 30 years, the council has subsidised parking in council-owned car parks and other parking areas.”
Councillor Colin Swansborough, cabinet member for Community Spaces, acknowledged the difficult position.
“We are having to make difficult decisions to ensure services can be maintained,” he said.
“One measure is to bring parking arrangements in line with other councils, while also remaining fair to residents and sustainable for council finances.”