HEART HAS BEEN RIPPED OUT OF OUR VILLAGE

Jun 14 2007 By a World Reporter, Ayrshire Post

MEMBERS of an ancient bowling club burst into tears as their green was ripped apart by a giant digger.

The farce unfolded in Rankinston, scene of a long-running bitter battle between bowlers and their landlord.

And things turned ugly this week as landowner Nicola Brown watched over a JCB as it hacked up turf on the 125-year-old green.

Stunned bowlers watched as the huge machine tore the turf to shreds and brought more than a century of play to a shuddering halt.

The move came just days after the green had been attacked during the night by a spade-wielding vandal, putting bowlers on alert.

But there was nothing they could do to stop the digger from calling time on one of Ayrshire’s oldest greens.

Club secretary Elizabeth Lyell admitted: “I’m so upset that I feel ill. That’s 125 years of history just gone – the whole village is devastated.

“We have done everything we can to try and resolve this situation but it’s been like banging our heads against a brick wall. Nicola Brown didn’t want to know. All we had in Rankinson was the bowling club and we don’t even have that now. It’s the kids I feel most sorry for though, they’ll be really upset. I hope she’s pleased with herself.

“God only knows what will happen now.”

The Post reported in April that the bowlers had been clashing with Mrs Brown for almost four years and were told to get off the green this summer or face legal action.

Tensions have been running high since the landlord announced her decision to sell the property and told the bowlers to take a hike.

But they had vowed to fight on after insisting their tenancy rights were being ignored. The bowlers also claim they submitted their own bid for the club, which they say Mrs Brown knocked back.

Committee member Morag Boyle said: “I can’t believe anyone could do this. It’s just beyond belief.

“It’s absolutely horrific that someone could mutilate a bowling green like that and leave us with nothing. But one thing’s for sure – we’ll be exploring every avenue possible with our lawyers to make sure this doesn’t rest.”