Mr Doherty, who bought the club in 2018, had approached the council to purchase the land on Townend Road, as he has plans to develop age-restricted retirement cottages on both sites.
The sale and closure of Townend Bowling Club will be welcomed by local people who see being consigned to the past an era when there was religious discrimination in sport, in bowling in particular, and Catholics were black balled from joining some clubs of the many in the area.
One of these was the principal club in the area, Dumbarton Bowling Club, which was known as “The Big Green”.
Townend Bowling Club was renowned for being part of this and there are stories about guests of members being challenged at the bar for the colour of the clothes they were wearing. It was one of Dumbarton’s dirty sectarian secrets.
During the committee meeting, depute leader of West Dunbartonshire Council, Michelle McGinty, pictured left, said: “I think we have had numerous complaints over the years about the condition of that building and the state of the area around it.
“It will be very welcome for the people in that area that things are finally moving forward with that land and it will not be the eyesore for them that it has been over the last few years especially with the increase and the worry of the overgrown nature of it.
“This is a very welcome report and I am glad we are getting somewhere now.”
Following the discussion members agreed to authorise council officers to conclude negotiations and the transaction.
West Dunbartonshire Council refuse to discuss these matters with the Dumbarton Democrat.
Top of page picture is of Townend Road from the air with Townend Bowling Club bottom left.
And the Highdykes school ground at Bonhill
Can anyone guess what that was sold for?