SIR – I would like to responsd to the letters raising concerns about use of the King George V Community Pavilion (WHT, April 23), A question was raised by a number of bowlers at the cuncil meeting on April 7 regarding the use of the King George V pavilio

SIR - I would like to responsd to the letters raising concerns about use of the King George V Community Pavilion (WHT, April 23),

A question was raised by a number of bowlers at the cuncil meeting on April 7 regarding the use of the King George V pavilion.

Welwyn Hatfield Council has invested substantial capital funds in this community facility by refurbishing the pavilion, resurfacing the car park and installing lighting and CCTV. The capital programme for 2008 also includes improvements to the greens.

The operational costs of the pavilion and grounds maintenance last year amounted to over £48,000 with income from the bowls at £5,085 for the year.

Encouraging other community groups to use the facilities will contribute to meeting these costs and justify future investment.

It has always been the council's intention for this facility to be available for the whole community, including, of course, the bowlers, hence the level of investment. Finesse Leisure, who manage KGV on the council's behalf, have therefore been tasked by the council to encourage wider community use.

A meeting between the bowlers and Finesse Leisure took place on April 2. At this meeting it was explained to the bowlers that to enable community bookings to take place it will be necessary for the bowling clubs to book the facilities that they wish to use.

Finesse could then hire out the facility to other users based around the bowlers' needs.

In addition Finesse wanted to negotiate alternative charging arrangements for the bowling club in line with other users. It was the intention of Finesse to put ideas on the table at this meeting to give the bowling clubs an opportunity to raise any concerns which Finesse could then address. Finesse anticipated that this would be the first of a number of meetings to be arranged over the coming year.

Finesse has confirmed that nothing with regard to the bowling clubs' booking costs has changed at this stage and that the existing pricing arrangements for this season will remain. However further discussions will take place in preparation for the 2009/10 season.

Richard Masters, chief community and environmental services officer, Welwyn Hatfield Counci