Bishop's Castle bowlers charged business rates – after 300 years

Members of one of Shropshire's oldest bowls clubs have hit out at Shropshire Council - after being charged business rates for the first time history.

Bishop's Castle Bowling Club dates back 300 years and, due to its location on the site of the keep of the former castle it has a unique octagonal green.

Club officials have had a notice from the revenues and benefits department at Shirehall saying they will have to start paying rates from next year.

It has drawn an angry response from club treasurer Barry Jones, who has insisted it is a not-for-profit organisation, which gets no help with maintenance, lighting or refuse collection.

He has written to Shropshire Council asking why the charge is being made and accusing Shirehall officials of trying to generate revenue at the expense of small clubs and groups.

Mr Jones today said: "We are only being asked to pay something like £140, but that's not the point. We don't make use of any services and installed disabled facilities at our own expense.

"I think it's a damned cheek and it's similar to being asked to pay a gas bill when you your house hasn't got a gas connection."

The club has 28 players and has teams competing in the Tanners Shropshire League and Ludlow and Church Stretton leagues.

Shropshire Council was unavailable for comment today.