Thousands of people have signed a petition against a proposal to destroy part of a golf course by building a new driving range.

Members of Ruislip Golf Club, who play at the course in Ickenham Road, Ruislip, say the course will be ruined if parts of it are replaced with a bigger driving range and clubhouse.

Club secretary, Neil Jennings, said: "What they are looking to do is turn part of the golf course into a driving range, which means it will die in its entirety because four holes will be lost.

"It will become a novelty leisure facility and there's not one person I have spoken to who can understand the logic in it.

"The club has been here for 70 years and we have built up a fantastic junior section, but if the course isn't competitive they will become defunct because we won't be able to stay in the league.

"The proposals offer no advantage over the existing facilities and can only be viewed as detrimental to both the surrounding area and the club itself."

Many residents are also against the application, which was submitted by Top Golf Limited to Hillingdon Council last month.

Ian Brownhill, 38, of Ickenham Road, said: "We have had no contact or consultation from Top Golf and they have shown no consideration for local residents in their plans.

"I cannot believe Hillingdon Council are considering this is suitable for this location - it will destroy valuable Green Belt, be completely out of keeping with the area and increase traffic on what is already a very busy road. I hope they see sense and reject this crazy plan."

Andrew Malin, deputy director of planning and community services at Hillingdon Council, said: "A comprehensive review of the council's golf services was undertaken recently to ensure the service provided is of the highest quality.

"Options are now being considered which include improving the driving range at Ruislip Golf Club, which is in a very poor state of repairs.

"Top Golf have subsequently submitted an application and, if approved, this will see them invest more than £5million in the range and widen the appeal of golf to families and nongolfers, as well as experienced golfers."

His views were shared by Peter Allport, CEO of Top Golf Limited, who said the amount being invested was significant for the borough.

**Go to www.hillingdon.gov.uk  by January 27 to comment on the application and go to http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/RuislipGC/  to sign the petition.