After being targeted by anti-social behaviour, the Denton Park Social Club based in Victoria Park is appealing to local authorities for help.

On June 1, a group of young people rode their bikes onto the bowling green, disrupting the bowls game and harassing members of the club. The use of foul language and threatening behaviour forced the players to abandon their game.  

In response, the club created a Facebook post highlighting the damage and danger posed by the youths. Residents on social media rallied round to support them and the incident was reported to the GMP Tameside South & West.  

When the ladies club team had their first league game on June 2, Tameside Youth Service and two local police officers were dispatched to ensure the match went ahead without disturbance.  

MP for Denton, Andrew Gwynne, said: “Victoria Park is there for everyone to enjoy and any antisocial and threatening behaviour towards one group - in this case, the bowlers - is completely unacceptable. I was pleased to see the response of the police, council and the local community to ensure the bowling matches weren’t disrupted again. That’s the true Denton spirit.   

“It’s a wonderful social club which brings people of all ages and abilities together and hopefully, out of a bad news story, it’s helped to raise awareness of the great outreach work the Bowling Club does.” 

Credit: Denton Park Social Club

The Denton Park Social Club don’t just bowl on the green but help out the wider community by working with dementia societies, community groups, schools and charities.  

Club Secretary, Tony Moran added: “One of the key factors on the road to recovery out of this covid pandemic will be the use of outdoor spaces in our parks and using our bowling greens, where people can feel safe to invite and encourage those most vulnerable to meet up with family and friends within the covid compliance guidelines.  

“This will help us to build back from self-isolation loneliness and most importantly improve our mental health with that added feel good factor.” 

This isn't the first time the club has been victims of vandalism, arsonists attacked the pitch and the portakabin shutters were damaged and graffitied last year.

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