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Blind bowlers forced out of Blackpool
BLACKPOOL'S kings of pins are being hindered by the resort's lack of facilities.
The Wyre Wizards Blind Ten-Pin Bowling Team were on a lucky strike after winning the British Blind Sports Winter Fours Finals in Sheffield.
But now they fear future success will be harder to come by following the closure of facilities on the Fylde coast.
Players are being forced to travel to Preston to practise for the summer pairs league which sees them compete against teams from across the country.
Natalie and Andrew Shaw, of Derby Road, Cleveleys, who run the club, say the coast is in desperate need of a new bowling alley.
Mrs Shaw, 36, said: "Our players are blind, severely visually impaired or partially sighted so we can't drive.
"We would normally have played in Blackpool about three or four times a week, but we are having to go all the way to Preston now which is not working out very well.
"We can only get there once a week because it costs so much.
"It's ridiculous."
The future of the sport has been threatened by the closure of Super Bowl on Market Street, Blackpool, followed by Premier Bowl, on Central Drive, in April to make way for Blackpool and The Fylde College's new 100m campus.
The Wyre Wizards had pinned their hopes on playing their beloved game in Cleveleys after Wyre Council granted planning permission for an indoor bowling facility adjacent to the town's new Vue Cinema at Jubilee Gardens.
Mrs Shaw added: "First it was Super Bowl, then Premier Bowl. It's a shame. We were hoping that there would be a bowling alley in Cleveleys, but we don't know what's happened with that plan now."
Beach Bowl Ltd, of Droylsden, Manchester, was given permission to build a new bowling alley in Cleveleys in January, but so far there has been no news on the development.
Despite the lack of local facilities, Wyre Wizards, which was formed in October 2005, is now appealing for new members, aged nine or over, as well as any help with transport, donations or sponsorship.
Andrew Shaw, chairman of the club, said: "It's a good social club.
"It builds confidence for people who basically wouldn't get out otherwise.
"We want to get more people involved in the sport and get out into the community."
For more details about membership or if anyone can help with transport, donations or sponsorship call Natalie or Andy Shaw on (01253) 868543 or log on to www.wyrewiz ards.co.uk
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Weather for Blackpool
Sunday 12 February 2012
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Temperature: 4 C to 7 C
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