Locals in a city estate are desperate not to lose their "tremendous" bowling alley after a major supermarket chain lodged plans to replace the facility.

Lidl is hoping to demolish the building currently occupied by Namco Funscape in Barnard Road, Bowthorpe. 

Eastern Daily Press: The Namco Funscape in BowthorpeThe Namco Funscape in Bowthorpe (Image: Google Maps)

But managers of the bowling alley - which has been described by Lidl as having no "viable future" - insist there are no plans to leave the building as their lease is not due to expire until 2027.

Gary Blundell, who is a district councillor for Costessey, said: "I don't understand this. 

"It seems to me like this is purely speculative from Lidl because it's ultimately down to Namco Funscape on whether they want to leave or not. 

Eastern Daily Press: An artist's impression of the proposed LidlAn artist's impression of the proposed Lidl (Image: Norwich City Council)

"I've spoken to residents in the area and a lot of them are not happy.

"This is a popular bowling alley that has embedded itself in the community and we already have other supermarkets in the area."

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The application from Lidl has received a whopping 24 public objections so far.

Eastern Daily Press: Gary Blundell, councillor for CostesseyGary Blundell, councillor for Costessey (Image: Newsquest)

Many locals have described the potential loss of Namco Funscape as "devastating" and questioned the need for a Lidl when there is already an Aldi in Larkman Lane, a Roy's branch at Bowthorpe Shopping Centre and three supermarkets in Longwater.

One person wrote to Norwich City Council's planning committee: "This facility will be such a loss to the community.

"Namco is used for many different 10-pin bowling leagues with some top level bowlers and youngsters that bowl for England.

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"[It is also used] as a good way to keep fit and meet up and make friends, with many living alone in surrounding villages.

Eastern Daily Press: The bowling alley in 2014The bowling alley in 2014 (Image: Newsquest)

"The loss would also be detrimental to others with various disabilities who use the facilities. And what about the children and youngsters that need the amusements to keep them occupied?

"Yet another supermarket is NOT needed in this area as there are already sufficient within or short distance with easy access."

City Hall intends to decide on the plans by April 4.