Protest launched over golf course sale

The council has unveiled plans to seek a “joint venture arrangement” with a private operator to cut the costs of running Springhead Park and Sutton Park as part of plans to slash more than £40m from its budget. But a new proposal by councillors John Robinson and Phil Webster could instead see the council retain Sutton and sell Springhead, possibly for building land.

Members and supporters of Springhead, including residents whose homes border the course, are among about 350 people who have signed a petition against the plan to sell.

Either option would form part of the proposed budget that will be voted on by councillors on February 24.

Those fighting to save Springhead may be encouraged by the discovery of a covenant which states the land should only be used for recreational use, such as a golf course. Coun Robinson said: “It’s not the intention to try and sell the land for a large-scale building development, that’s simply not the case.”