TALKS have begun about protecting an indoor bowls club in New Earswick as a community asset.

The idea was raised at a community conversation meeting in the Huntington and New Earswick ward last week - and now senior councillors have invited officials from New Earswick Bowls Club to apply for community asset status.

Cllr Dafydd Williams, cabinet member for finance and performance, said any type of building or venue that serves a purpose in its community can apply for community asset status - which means the site could not be sold off without the community first having the opportunity to put in a bid.