PEOPLE are worried the green space near their “popular” bowling club could be turned into car parking spaces.

Neighbours fear car parking spaces could be built on the open space at the front of Victoria Park, in Finchley, or on the open space near the green of the bowling club.

Gary Bargroff, 67, has lived in Finchley for 60 years and has been on the bowling club committee for three years.

Mr Bargroff, who remembers the bowls club as a young child, said: “We have heard rumours, out of the blue, that a car park could be built around the green.

“It is not fair to the community, a lot of residents around the park are not happy.

"We do not see why we should be changing our quality of life for parking spaces.

“We have a lot of people visiting our club, it is popular and a viable club. It feels like our say is irrelevant, like they are forgetting the community.”

Last week, the Times Series reported that Barnet Council had sold the keeper’s lodge in the same park, and campaigners launched a petition to stop the sale.

The issue was raised at a Finchley and Golders Green Residents Forum in Hendon town hall, but a decision was not made.

The plans will continue to be discussed in future meetings.

A spokesperson for the council, who they refused to name, said: "We have had some very early discussions with local groups about how we can best invest money received from the sale of the Victoria Park Lodge back into the park.

"One idea was too look at bringing the existing car park to the side of the bowls green into wider public use, however no final decisions have been made and would not be taken without a full public consultation.

"We will continue working with local groups and ward members to design a master plan for Victoria Park which we’ll shape following public consultation. It is important we hear the views of local residents and we will be sending out further information on how people can get involved."