The prestigious Ayr Bowling Tournament, first established 72 years ago, is set to continue to flourish.

The setting up of a special Ayr Bowling Tournament Steering Committee, liaising with South Ayrshire Council, has enabled structured planning to be undertaken for the organisation and administration of the event at the National Bowling Centre, Northfield, Ayr, in 2006 - and in years to come.

The setting up of the Steering Committee followed a meeting that took place earlier this year which involved the Leader of South Ayrshire Council, Councillor Andy Hill, senior officers of the Council, and a number of influential and knowledgeable people in the bowling world, including writer, broadcaster, and bowls expert Ron Wyllie.

Mr Wyllie took on the role of Interim Chair of the Steering Group, which has now prepared a detailed constitution - with the specific purpose of ensuring the continuation of the Ayr Bowling Tournament.

Following the latest meeting of the Steering Group, Ron Wyllie has written to Councillor Hill, recording the appreciation of himself and fellow bowling enthusiasts, for his support in helping secure the future of the event.

In a letter to Councillor Hill, Ron Wyllie says: "May I take this opportunity of recording my thanks to you for your support and co-operation in recent months. It has greatly assisted the South Ayrshire bowling community in securing the future of this popular and enduring event and I know you will give the director and committee the same support in the lead-up to the 2006 competition."

Ron Wyllie also explained that he had stepped down as Interim Chair "as my task is completed in ensuring the structures are in place to ensure the Ayr Tournament continues in future years."

This year' s prestigious Ayr Bowling Week, proved to be as popular as ever . despite an initial " hiccup" which briefly threatened the important event taking place.

Earlier this year the event had been under threat of not taking place as a result of necessary financial savings that South Ayrshire Council was being forced to make.

However the tournament was given the "go-ahead" following a meeting of the Council's Administration, when extra funding was identified to ensure the event could take place.

Councillor Andy Hill, explained: "As is well known, the Council has had to take extreme prudent action to maintain the Council's expenditure for the coming year within an extremely tight budget. Budget savings of £150,000 were agreed by the Council in relation to events and activities.

"Considerable concern was rightly expressed by a range of people, including elected members of the Council, bowlers and members of the public over a proposal not to hold Ayr Bowling Week.

"At the first opportunity available we looked at the question of the tournament, and realising the mistake being made, agreed that it could go ahead at least for this year.

"This allowed time for discussions to take place with appropriate interested parties who are prepared to take the lead role in safeguarding the event in future years.

"I am delighted that the Ayr Tournament Steering Group has now been formally established, and I would like to pay tribute to the splendid work carried out by Ron Wyllie and his colleagues in the bowling fraternity.

"Undoubtedly there has got to be joint working, the bowlers have got to take the lead role, and in turn the expertise which the officers of the Council have can help to facilitate arrangements for the event.

"The Steering Group will be liaising with South Ayrshire Council where appropriate."

Councillor Hill continued: "South Ayrshire is renowned for numerous sports activities - with bowls being one of the most important. The Council is proud of the Northfield Complex, into which considerable investment has been made, and we would want to ensure the continued enthusiasm and goodwill which exists with bowlers.

"The future success of the event lies in there being joint working involving both the bowling community and Council staff, and in addition there is a clear requirement to maintain and if possible increase the level of commercial sponsorship for the event."