A municipal golf club that closed down in early 2011 is set to re-open in the next few weeks following interest in the site and anger from local residents that the venue is a magnet for crime.
Goldenhill Golf Club in Stoke-on-Trent closed in February after operator Jack Barker Golf Company fell into arrears amid disputes with the council about waste management and course improvements.
Since then potential buyers have approached Stoke-on-Trent City Council, while the club has attracted thieves, fly-tippers and arsonists.
With pressure from a local residents’ association, the council has stated that it will look for a new tenant in early 2012 and resurrect the golf course.
Councillor Ruth Rosenau said: “The intention is to market the site for re-use as a golf course in the new year.
“We have already had some initial interest in the site, but we need to formally market Goldenhill to test the demand with a view to securing a new tenant.”
Resident Tom Simpson said: “The course needs people who are interested in operating it as a golf course to get it back to its former glory.
“It used to be a great course that was used by many local people, but it has since become dirty and unpleasant.
“Although the course is closed, we’ve been asking residents to keep an eye out on any vandalism.
“It’s a shame to see that it’s still closed, but I have every belief that if the council is to re-open the course then they will find suitable owners.”
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