BOWLERS in the South are boycotting a new outdoor rink at Totton because it lacks a bar.

Players at Totton and Eling Bowls Centre have been hit by a shortage of teams willing to visit the town.

Now the bowlers have asked Totton and Eling Town Council for permission to open a bar.

The issue was debated at a meeting of the amenities committee.

A letter from bowlers said: "The bar would only be used when the club is playing against other teams or holding social functions for members.

"This would be an added asset to the club and would encourage more teams to come and play against us.

"The lack of a bar has already caused one touring team to cancel a match on our rinks."

But committee members pointed to problems which had led to the recent closure of a bar at Calmore Community Centre.

Councillors sought an assurance that a bar at the bowls centre "would not be another Calmore".

Deputy town clerk Neil Garfoot said: "There are many implications to having a bar at any facility, as we are all well aware.

"I've seen the letter from the bowlers and as far as I can see there's nothing to get alarmed about.

"But I need more information so I can come back to a future meeting with all the pros and cons."