By JULIA RAVENSCROFT

STOCKTON Heath Pensioners' Bowling Club has made an impassioned plea for help from the borough and parish councils for the installation of electrical power in its pavilion.

Many members of the club, which is based at Alexandra Park, are hoping to play competitive league bowls and are launching a 'C' team, which will utilise the number two green.

The club provides refreshments for the home and away teams, but has no electrical power in the pavilion for tea-making facilities and is hoping to secure funds to cope with the extra influx of bowlers.

Derek Mather, secretary of the club, wrote to the parish council: "Stockton Heath Ladies Tennis Club, which also uses this green, has for years had to resort to pushing a trolley to ferry teapots and cups over to the players. Not only is this unsatisfactory but it raises the question of health and safety."

Mr Mather said he estimates that on match days there will be around 60 people in the park, and that providing refreshments is an essential part of the proceedings.

He said: "Unfortunately we are not in a position to provide any funds towards such a project as we are a non-profit-making club. Being for pensioners, we maintain a low membership fee of £4 per year."

Borough council officers are now investigating the cost of the installation and the parish council is waiting to discover whether it will be required to make a contribution.

Peter Warburton, clerk of the parish council, said: "We are supporting the bowlers in their request and we will be considering a financial contribution."