About 200 people packed into a public meeting in Port St Mary to discuss the future of the village bowling club.

The club is in dispute with the landowner after it was told the lease on land by the village railway station will not be renewed.

Members of the island’s lawn bowling community attended the meeting to express their support for the club, which celebrates its 100th anniversary next year.

The event was arranged by commissioners in Port St Mary, in order to gauge public opinion on the issue.

Michelle Haywood, chairman of Port St Mary Commissioners, told the Isle of Man Examiner it was a ’very valuable meeting’.

’People talked about what it meant to them, family association with other clubs, it’s like one big family.

’The meeting was to test public feeling.

’No board opinions have been made.’

The Commissioners are holding an extraordinary general meeting tomorrow (Wednesday) to discuss the options.

’We have taken legal advice. We might need further legal advice,’ Dr Haywood said. Rushen MHKs Laurence Skelly and Juan Watterson both addressed the audience at the meeting.

Mr Skelly told the Examiner after the meeting: ’It was standing room only at Halley Baljey with huge support to save Port St Mary Bowling Club.

’It was great to hear numerous testimonials and history of this mighty club about to celebrate 100th birthday next year. Thank you Port St Mary Commissioners for organising.’

The Enterprise Minister added: ’Juan Watterson and I stand ready to further support and secure this club’s future for the village and wider community. The landowner, Will Kelly, said that he does not wish to comment on the issue and prejudice any legal proceedings between the two parties.