Metal theft at Wolverhampton bowling alley hit by sudden closure

The metal thieves struck at Strykers at around 11.40pm yesterday.

Two men, aged 19 and 20, were arrested nearby on suspicion of burglary and remain in custody helping police with their inquiries. West Midlands Police spokeswoman Deb Edmonds said: "They have caused a massive amount of damage in monetary terms. Water tanks have been removed to get to the copper piping, causing extensive damage."

The theft comes as mystery surrounds the popular venue on Shaw Lane, in Bushbury. Regular bowler Collette Henry today told of her shock to find the site closed when she arrived on Tuesday.

Mrs Henry, aged 46, from Bilbrook, said: "We were supposed to go there and meet up with some old school friends but the gates were locked."

She added: "We have tried ringing them but there no answer. You would think they would put a notice up or something."

The venue, which was described as the 'Las Vegas of Wolverhampton' when it opened in the early 1980s, belongs to bowling alley chain 1st Bowl, which is registered as Garland Leisure Ltd.

Wolverhampton City councillor Peter Bilson, who represents Bushbury South and Low Hill and is also cabinet member for economic regeneration and prosperity, said the closure has come as 'a bolt out of the blue'. He said: "We were very sad to hear the news. I hope it is not a long-term issue for the organisation.".

The Express & Star was unable to reach the company's head office, despite repeated requests for a telephone number from multiple branches. Matthew Yeardley, centre manager at the Bloxwich branch, said Strykers had closed for a refurbishment.

But another branch manager, who asked not to be named, said management had told him the venue had closed permanently, along with four other branches, as part of a 're-structuring' of the business.