A golf club in Greater Manchester is to install a ‘height barrier’ after travellers entered the venue and forced it to close for a few days.
Hart Common Golf Club experienced this disruption at the height of the playing season.
About a dozen caravans entered the golf club, after previously occupying Westhoughton Golf Club, on July 9 and left on July 11. They initially refused to leave, after being ordered to do so by the police, stating that their paperwork was missing an “official stamp”.
The club was not able to mow or water the course during their stay, buildings were also locked and the venue remained closed after they left for a while due to a clean-up and maintenance operation.
According to Bolton News, other golf clubs across the borough have been forced to take the expensive action to ensure travellers cannot set up illegal camps, and Hart Common has now been advised to do the same.
In a statement this weekend the club said: “We have had 24/7 security since Thursday to keep a eye on the property and any staff who have been on site.
“Both the police and security have advised us not to re-open until we have at least a height barrier in place at the entrance to the club.
“This will be our priority on Monday and we should be able to open as soon as that is in place.
“Most of the clean up has already been done and today we will be back out mowing and watering on the course as the buildings have been locked since Thursday.
“Thanks to all the Members and Visitors for their messages of support & offers to help.
“Also to GMP and the NFU and their team of consultants for the advice and support provided.”
Several of the caravans had parked on the green itself, and staff stated members of the group had been riding around the course in four-by-four cars.
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