Allandale Bowling Club to be allowed outdoor drinking and community use

Club president Stephen Grant told members of the board: “Like many other local establishments we’re looking to modernise ourselves.

“Like many other clubs, we’ve lost a number of members so we want to encourage new members into the club.

“We have got fantastic premises that for many years have been under-used.

“We are looking to make better use of them by engaging more with the community and community clubs such as Steins Thistle.”

Mr Grant said the club hoped to start to use the building for other meetings and classes.

Members of Falkirk Council’s licensing board agreed to allow areas around the clubhouse to be used for outdoor drinking.

They also believe it is time members were able to make full use of the outdoor area including summer seats and picnic tables belonging to the club.

“We have fantastic facilities and we’ve spent a considerable amount of money and time upgrading those facilities,” said Mr Grant.

“The application will allow members to come out of the clubhouse – if we ever get some nice weather – and actually sit outdoors and enjoy a drink while watching the bowling.”

Councillor Robert Bissett said: “This is a club that’s trying to adapt to the current climate, rather going out of business and fair play to them.”

Convener Niall Coleman agreed the club had made an effort to upgrade and modernise and members granted the application.