HUNDREDS of people turned up for the official opening of Dunmow s newest sporting facility on Friday. The Dunmow Bowling Club on St Edmunds Lane is estimated by developers Taylor Wimpey to have cost £2 million to develop and build. It is part of an agreem

HUNDREDS of people turned up for the official opening of Dunmow's newest sporting facility on Friday.

The Dunmow Bowling Club on St Edmunds Lane is estimated by developers Taylor Wimpey to have cost £2 million to develop and build. It is part of an agreement between the two parties when building work started at White Street in Dunmow town centre where the old green and clubhouse was sited.

Mike Ferris, vice president Dunmow Bowling Club, said: "The new clubhouse and facilities are absolutely wonderful; definitely amongst the best in the league. They are much better than I had ever expected."

Mr Ferris said the old clubhouse was in a poor condition with a small kitchen, only one urinal, no hot water and no parking facilities but the bowling green was superb.

"What we have here is the absolute opposite. A clubhouse that is already the envy of many of our competitors, we've got our own car park but the green, that cost £100,000 to construct and lay, has only just been put down so it will take several years before it will be mature and become a really good playing surface."

Peter Willis, managing director of Bryant Eastern, who built the facility, said: "I'm very impressed with the new club and its facilities.

"I'm especially pleased that we could supply a facility worthy of Great Dunmow, showing that some developers aren't all about taking and building without putting anything back into the community.

"I'd be tempted to join myself if I didn't live so far away," he added.

Although the first match on the new green isn't due to be played until April 2008, the club is already seeing the benefits of its new home.

"We have had enquiries from members of other clubs who now want to join us because of the new facilities," said Mr Ferris. "In the past we have lost members through the state of the old clubhouse and I know several people were put off from joining by them.

"We have been contacted by some of these former members and we'd be delighted to see them back."

It is now hoped more members will join the club. If anyone is interested in going along Mr Ferris assures them they will be met with the warmest of welcomes.

All abilities, including beginners, are welcome and there are even professionally qualified instructors on hand to give coaching lessons.

Anyone interested can contact the club by calling 01371 873535.