Campaigners are celebrating after a judge granted a 15 year tenancy on an indoor bowls club.

But Watford Borough Council says its long-term plans at Woodside Playing Fields remain unchanged despite the defeat in court.

The council has ambitious plans at Woodside Playing Fields, including a high ropes, course, adventure golf place, outdoor activity centre, and trampoline centre.

Within the plans is to convert Watford Indoor Bowls Club into a different type of leisure facility.

The bowls club, who have been in a long-running dispute with the council, were not prepared to leave without a fight, taking the council to court.

At Clerkenwell and Shoreditch County Court, a judge granted the club a 15 year tenancy but it comes with a two-year break clause, which the council says will allow them to continue with development of the area.

The break clause allows the council to move the club on.

A new lease has not been agreed but the new rent was set by the judge at £18,800 + VAT and determined the club did not have to pay rent arrears to the council.

The council is taking advice and “considering its position” in relation to the present outstanding arrears of non-payment of rent.

The club, which has around 300 members, has paid £1m in council rent since it moved in in 1991 and it’s believed the council asked the club to pay a new rent of £55,000 + VAT a year.

Club chairman John Bates said: “Both mayors (Mr Taylor and Mrs Thornhill) said the bowls club was closing but we have always maintained this is rubbish. We are hopeful we will still be here after two years. It’s a big relief this is over and we are happy it is done and dusted.”

Former Conservative Watford mayoral candidate George Jabbour pledged to save the bowls club as part of his manifesto. He said was “pleased” at the judge’s decision.

Cllr Nigel Bell said: "As the leader of the opposition Labour Group in Watford, we pay tribute to the campaign by Watford Bowls club in fighting their cause with the Mayor and his plans that have caused so much stress and upset to them. Will the Mayor and his Cabinet review what they are doing in Woodside and how they have treated the Watford Bowls club?”

Manny Lewis, Watford Borough Council managing director said: “The judge’s decision is good news for the council as it means we can get on with our exciting plans for Woodside. These will transform the range of activities on the site and make it a really fantastic venue for the local community.

“The council was always prepared to work with the club to come to an agreement on their lease before the club chose to take this action.

“The break clause gives the club sufficient time to plan for the future and for their members to find an alternative place to play, which may well be at the town’s other indoor bowls facility.”

The council had to pay the club’s court costs which were in the region of £20,000 and its own court costs of £12,450.