Middleton Park Golf Course closure ‘put on hold’

Temporary reprieve - Middleton Golf Course. Photo: Steve Williamson
Temporary reprieve – Middleton Golf Course. Photo: Steve Williamson

Talks are to continue over the future of Middleton Park Golf Course after its closure was put on hold for a year.

The Leeds City Council-managed golf course at Middleton Park (along with Gotts Park in Armley) was put forward for possible closure as part of the council’s drive to make approximately £51m savings in the 2013/14 budget proposals.

Initial discussions have been held with representatives of the clubs at both courses and a the council announced today that the decision has now been put on hold for 12 months to allow further consultation to take place.

Leeds City Council executive member for the environment Councillor Mark Dobson said:

“Following positive initial discussions with users and those involved at Gotts Park and Middleton golf courses around a range of community-based initiatives which could possibly be pursued, we have decided to delay making any changes for 12 months to allow further consultation to take place.

“The current position at both courses is that user numbers are declining meaning that in the context of the severe financial challenges faced by the council they are unsustainable. It is therefore vital that new ways of delivering this service are explored.”

Chairman of Middleton Park Golf Club, Ian Bertie, said:

“We would like to thank Councillor Dobson and the Middleton Park ward members as we are delighted to receive news that we have been given a 12-month reprieve.

“We are in no doubt that we have a tough year ahead to try and keep our course open and we look forward to working in partnership with the city council to look at new ways of working that hopefully will secure the future of our golf course here at Middleton Park.”

What do you think? Right decision or not? Have your say in the comments section below.

5 Replies to “Middleton Park Golf Course closure ‘put on hold’”

  1. That’s brilliant news. More community involvement would be great. Perhaps get the local schools involved. it would be fantastic to have a local school league/tournament!

  2. Really good news – this an opportunity for different parts of the community to work together to come up with a viable future. I very much agree that schools should be part of that. The great thing about golf is that it isn’t something you can play at 5 and 95…

  3. All well and good for the golfers, but what about the Bowlers at the Middleton Community Bowling Club, are we to be put ‘on hold’ for 12 months, or will we be closed down due to cuts ?

  4. Absolutely brilliant news , hope the council can find a way to keep the course open for future generations.
    We really do need this public golf course in South Leeds.

  5. Its a lovely parkland course, pity the greens have not been looked after recently.
    Played there early June will not return until improvement is made.

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