BOWLING enthusiasts in Rubery have been left without a green after it has apparently been "hijacked" by a private club.

Rubery bowling green, in St Chad's Park, has apparently not been open for public use for over two years, even though it was the villagers who campaigned for the facility to be built.

The Rubery Sheldon John Connolly Club (RSJC) was originally allowed to use the facility after their previous home made way for Rubery Great Park.

It was agreed they could use the facility, owned by Bromsgrove District Council, if they also allowed for public use.

Councillor for the area Peter McDonald (Lab-Waseley) said: "The bowling green belongs to the people of Rubery, they campaigned for it and it was very popular in the area.

"Many residents loved to get together and have a few games but now it is never open."

The development, built eight years ago, has since been closed to the people of the village and is now only used for club games.

"The club has hijacked it. It is one of the best greens in the Midlands.

"I am determined the public will be able to use it this coming season. I am calling for the chief officers of the council to enforce the agreement," said Cllr McDonald.

However, John Swingler, Committee Member and Trustee for the RSJC Club said: "The green is not open for public use at the moment, but it is not the fault of the club. We have not hijacked it at all.

"We just cannot find a volunteer to sit there all day when the demand from the public is not that high. I think the council should help to organise something, it should not all be down to the club to sort out the problem.

"I would welcome a meeting with the council because the communication with them needs to be better."

Cllr June Griffiths (Con-Alvechurch), cabinet member responsible for leisure said: "The bowling club is intended as a leisure facility for local residents and I would like to hear from anyone in Rubery who would be interested in using the bowling green.

"A meeting has been held with local ward councillors after they raised concerns. Officers will be meeting with the club to look at how the issue can be addressed before the start of the new season."