MP Steve Barclay is backing a bowls club’s bid for funding to replace mats which are warn out after 17 years use.

The North East Cambs MP has written to the chairman of the Braza Short Mat Bowls Club, March, in support of their funding bid to Sport England.

The foam backs of the green playing surfaces are peeling away, leaving the mats unusable.

The club fears for its future if replacement mats are not found.

Mr Barclay said: “Clearly after seventeen years of being in use for three sessions a week, these bowls mats have seen a good innings and are bound to be in need of replacement.

“I fully support the members of the Braza Bowls club in their bid to get funding from Sports England to enable their revamp.

“The club does not currently benefit from outside funding and relies on a small members’ charge per bowls session to keep itself afloat.

“It would be unfair for Sports England to deny them funding because they play a less vigorous sport than, say, football or rugby.

“In light of the Olympic Legacy and wider concerns about the health and well being of the elderly population, I think that this request would help attract new members to the club and allow current membership to continue to enjoy their participation in short mat bowls.”

The club meets at the Braza Club for short mat bowls on Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons and Thursday evening.

An annual subcription costs members £6 and there is a charge of £1.50 per session.