Large Grant to Isleworth Bowls Club Under Scrutiny
Concern raised about senior councillor's connection with the venue
Picture: Isleworth Bowls Club
October 24, 2025
A £200,000 grant awarded to Isleworth Bowls Club by Hounslow Council has come under scrutiny following concerns raised at a recent area forum meeting. The funding, part of the Council’s Thriving Communities Fund (TCF), was earmarked for the development of a crazy golf course at Redlees Park, but residents say the project has yet to materialise.
Speaking at the Isleworth, Osterley & Spring Grove Forum, Cllr Salman Shaheen confirmed that the matter is being reviewed by council officers. “You’ve requested scrutiny of the Thriving Fund money that has been given to Isleworth Bowls Club and that is being investigated by officers,” he said, adding that similar concerns had been raised by residents Christine Diwell and Vanessa Smith. “It’s being looked into by officers, not councillors, and that’s exactly the proper process that should be followed.”
An audience member at the forum questioned the transparency of the grant, noting that Cllr Sue Sampson — a Cabinet Member for Housing Management and Homelessness and ward councillor for Isleworth — has declared employment at the club in her register of interests. “This is a significant amount of money which should have a higher level of scrutiny,” the resident said.
Further concerns have been raised about the structure of the club which is not registered as a company, charity, or Community Amateur Sports Club (CASC) making public scrutiny of its accounts impossible.
It is understood that this is not the first grant received by the club from the council although it is far larger than previous disbursements.
The club, located in Redlees Park on Worton Road since 1934, holds a Club Premises Certificate allowing it to serve alcohol to members and guests. Its activities have increasingly become focused on its social activities and it regularly hosts events. In July 2024, it applied for a new Premises Licence, submitted by Ms Marlene Sampson, which was considered by the Council’s Licensing Panel.
In response to the scrutiny, Isleworth Bowls Club posted on social media, “The club, a council and community asset, is permitted to bid for CIL/TCF community funding the same way any other community interest group can apply. The Committee welcome and support any investigation that is called. For the record, Cllr Sampson is NOT a member of the club’s committee.”
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