Golf course in closure threat

Walsall's only municipal golf course will close in one month unless new owners are found, it was announced today.

It had been hoped the popular attraction would be thrown a lifeline by a private firm willing to take over its management.

But with the cash-strapped council keen to rid itself of the £36,000 annual outlay, its new leisure boss today said time was running out.

Scores of people have joined a campaign and signed a petition in protest at plans to axe the nine-hole Grange golf course.

Leisure chief Councillor Barry Sanders said officers were doing their utmost to find a solution, but the clock was ticking .

"We will have to come up with something in the next two or three weeks or it will close at the end of June," he said

"I do know that officers are working very hard to find a positive solution, because we don't want to lose any of the facilities we have in the borough.

"Living near to the Arboretum, I go to the park regularly and it is wonderful to see the number of people who also use it."

Councillor Sanders added that no leisure centres would close as part of a general review.

The council previously approached Walsall College to take over the course.

Councillor Bill Madeley first opened the Grange three decades ago after fighting for years to get a municipal golf course for Walsall.

"I will do everything possible to keep it going and I'll raise a motion at the council if that's what it takes," he said.

"It has been enjoyed by thousands and thousands of people over the years, from the very young to the very old. It's a brilliant facility and took us many years to get going, so it would really be a backwards step if it closed."