An official inquiry into the row between Northavon Bowls Club and Bradley Stoke Town Council could be held, BBC Radio Bristol is reporting.

Liberal Democrat prospective parliamentary candidate for Filton and Bradley Stoke, John Kiely, is to ask the district council’s auditor to investigate the dispute.

Bowlers have been locked out of the green at Bailey’s Court after rejecting a proposed 8% rise in rental costs.

The club says the rise could see them close down but the town council has refused to back down claiming the rise is in line with other users at the activity centre.

A press release from Mr Keily says: “At a special Council meeting called last Thursday (8th May 2008) to discuss the impasse, the Conservative leadership produced a four option plan based on the findings of a working group.

“Neither opposition Councillors nor the public were given copies of the working party report nor were their options made available prior to the meeting, both which are illegal under access to information legalisation.”