Edinburgh Council is to discuss plans which could transform some of the city's underused sites.

The proposals would see seven of the 15 public bowling greens maintained by the Council put to alternative use in a bid to combat falling levels of demand.

If approved, changes would take place across four sites owned by the Council; Balgreen, Leith Links, Powderhall and Victoria Park. The initiative includes a proposal by the Scottish Volleyball Association to convert a Leith Links green into a beach volleyball court, and tennis courts to replace a green at Balgreen. Broughton Primary School has also submitted a suggestion to use space at Powderhall for sporting and food-growing activities.

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A public consultation carried out with members of the bowling community, found it would be possible to reduce the number of playable greens on the sites, with extended opening hours and improved booking systems accommodating current users. Participants also agreed that alternative uses for redundant greens could "add value" to the sites.

Councillor Lesley Hinds, Convener of Transport and Environment, commented: "These plans will make the best use of local sites to provide new and exciting opportunities for the community, potentially improving facilities for both young, disabled and elderly people.

"There is no doubt public bowling greens serve as an invaluable source of interaction and leisure for local groups and we hope the addition of new activities and provisions will only go to enhance this."

(JP/MH)