"Some people would be left to die" is the harsh message from a group of bowling clubs campaigning to say open amid a looming threat of closure.
Danny Randall, president of Alexandria and District Veterans Bowling Clubs, says it's a "terrible truth" that members of the community would suffer greatly if West Dunbartonshire Council go ahead with the closure of three local clubs.
The local authority is considering a series of cuts ahead of the 2026/27 budget, one of which is the merging of four clubs in Balloch, Renton and Bonhill, into the current Christie Park facility.
However, Danny says it would members would be cut off by the merge, warning it would be damaging to their mental health to lose such facilities.
He said: "There's nothing else in this area whatsoever for elderly people to do.
"There are people in their 90s that come along to the clubs and they don't play bowls, they sit, have a blether, a chat, a cup of tea and a cake.
"We pick them up for their home, we take them down, we spend the afternoon with a good time.
"These people would just sit in their house and die. It's as simple as that."
Inside the proposed cuts, is also the decision not to restore Goldenhill Bowling Club after it was broken into and vandalised last year.
We reported how the club which has been active for over five decades was found in ruin with windows smashed in, glass all over the floor, broken furniture overturned and graffiti on walls.
Drawers have been left open, boards have been scratched and covered with yellow paint, and the floor can be seen covered in shattered pieces of glass.
Trophies were also damaged.
The club was closed and it has been confirmed there is no budget available to undertake the necessary repairs.
The proposal by West Dunbartonshire Council considers a £81,000 saving by merging the clubs.
Bosses at the authority say membership is free meaning they cover the cost of maintenance of the building and grounds.
Finally, the report claims that membership remains low across the clubs. This is disputed by Danny who says more than 70 people turned up to meet with the Dumbarton Reporter about this issue.
Danny added: "I think it's been a bit insidious and they are just try to get it through under the carpet. The whole of the bowling community find this shocking.
"They're putting forward the dwindling numbers attending has been their main reason, but they have no idea.
"They were supposed to consult us and nobody came out. So they've got no idea how many numbers there are.
"In reality, they're just making us up off the top of their heads."
A spokesperson for West Dunbartonshire Council said they are exploring many options in order to close the budget gap this year.
They said: “In light of a combined budget gap of £14m for 2026/27 across both council and Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP) services, officers were asked to develop all viable options to deliver savings this year and in future.
"No decision will taken until these proposals are considered at the council meeting on 4 March."
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