Waterloo’s new owners promise £500,000 spruce-up

BOWLS:

CROWN green bowling’s flagship competition, the Waterloo Handicap in Blackpool, is in new hands following the departure of Jimmy Parker.

The Waterloo manager during that time, Parker fought to keep the competition afloat despite the closure of the pub and financial constraints that hindered attempts to update the stadium.

The arrival of business partners Pete Flynn and Nick Lowe - who have pledged to plough £500,000 into restoring the pub and stadium, has resulted in Parker’s departure.

Mark Audin has been appointed temporary manager and a working party, including five-times Waterloo champion and bowling legend Brian Duncan, will assist behind the scenes.

Parker, who says he was offered an unrealistic package to stay, wished the new owners well.

He said: “I feel the new set-up is something I don’t wish to be part of. They are talking about putting

substantial investment into the public house and stadium to improve facilities, which has been needed for years.

Bowlers who entered the Spring Waterloo will have their money retained and the competition will be switched, under Parker, to the nearby Raikes Hotel.

But all entry fees for the main Waterloo will be refunded and bowlers must enter again. Entering the original handicap through Parker will not get bowlers into the new competition.

The first 512 entries, at £10 each, will be accepted and if the competition is filled, prize money will be £15,000.