MEMBERS of St Martin's Bowling Club are looking forward with huge enthusiasm to the new season after taking possession of their new green and club house.

The brand new facilities are part of the new ASDA development in Belmont, just a stone's throw from their previous headquarters which have become part of the new store complex.

"It is a splendid green and clubhouse and a brilliant exchange for our old premises," said development committee secretary Frank Harwood. "We can already play on it and we're having it assessed for county standard.

"It is likely to be a bit slow for the first year but it was only laid two weeks before Christmas. It will be at its best in a year's time after the usual autumn preparation."

The new facilities include a purpose-built clubhouse conforming to all the current building regulations and including the latest requirements for disabled access.

The internal layout provides a general-purpose function room and a kitchen, together with changing areas and toilet facilities.

There is a car park for 32 cars and the green, which measures 36 metres by 36 metres, includes an automatic irrigation system.

As well as benefiting from their arrangement with ASDA, St Martin's BC have also received grants from the Lottery Awards for All, Herefordshire Council Small Projects fund, Hereford City Council and the South Wye Community Pride fund.

"Our green is a major asset and we have also received a lot of help from our members," said Harwood. "We are playing our first league game here on May 23 and will be having an official opening later on in the year."