A BOWLING club is ‘devastated’ by plans to demolish ten pin lanes at Phoenix Leisure Park as part of an expansion the neighbouring Odeon cinema.

President of Crewe 10 Pin Academy, Alan Couch, said his 32 plus membership of young, adult and disabled bowlers would have nowhere to go if the plans go ahead.

Crewe’s Odeon has announced £ 5 million plans to double the size of their Phoenix Leisure Park picture house, increasing from four screens to eight and creating 20 new jobs.

But the screen expansion and plans by Albemarle Syndicates, owners of the Phoenix Leisure Park, to build two new restaurants will come at the expense of Lakeside Superbowl’s 16 lanes.

“As far as the club goes, we’re devastated, because we need a facility. Without that we’ve got nowhere to go,” said Alan.

The club has a thriving youth bowling academy, with members regularly representing England and Cheshire at national and international events.

“The members have seen the news about the cinema and to put it diplomatically, they’re not very happy,” said Alan.

“I’m not overly enamoured with the plans because it would be helpful to leave a bit of room for a bowling alley.

“Why do we need two restaurants? If they must, then why not cut the number of lanes down and just have one restaurant?”

Alan said the club provides a valuable social role – giving children focus and something to get involved with during the evenings.

“We still often get young people now who thank us for helping them during their childhood,” said Alan. “We’re in discussion with Cheshire East Council and hopefully we can persuade them to leave the bowling facilities there.”

A Spokesman for Albemarle Syndicates said: “We’re sorry if some customers will lose their amenities but there seems to be more demand for cinema use.

“If we don’t invest in cinema then customers may go elsewhere. This development will also bring new jobs into the town.”

What do you think? Email matthew.taylor@guardiangrp.co.uk or write to Guardian Series Newspapers, Theatre Court, Northwich, Cheshire, CW9 5HB.