Conservatives have called in Ealing Council’s proposal to close an iconic golf club in Greenford for scrutiny.
The council put forward the permanent closure of Horsenden Hill Golf Course from January 31 (2015), unless alternative proposals are presented to keep it at no cost to them before the given date, at a cabinet meeting on November 25.
Labour says there is currently an over-provision of golf in the borough and surrounding areas and propose to use the site in Woodland Rise as a combination of bike and walking tracks and a Christmas tree farm.
This will be challenged at a scrutiny meeting on December 18.
Councillor Greg Stafford, Conservative group leader, said: “I have been contacted by a significant number of residents and it is clear the council’s planned proposal to turn Horsenden Hill Golf Course into a commercial business could ruin this quiet residential community.
“Security on the site would also have to be considered.
“There are potential noise problems with customers or wholesalers collecting the tree.
“As usual, the council have decided to proceed without consulting residents.”
Philip Hirth, a member of the club, said the nine hole public course has been welcoming golfers since 1935 and is loved by all its members and senior citizens who play most days of the week.
He said: “We feel exceedingly let down by Ealing Council and their lack of communication. Unless alternative proposals to retain the golf course can be determined at no cost to the council prior to that date we will not be celebrating our 80th anniversary.”
David Harvey who lives in Greenford near the golf course added: “I regularly go for a walk over there and it’s a really beautiful spot.
“Ealing is (was) known as the Queen of the Suburbs and to lose this section of the park would be a removal of one of the crown jewels.”
The council report said the most recent statement of financial performance provided by Mytime Active for Horsenden Hill Golf Course indicates that despite the management fee paid by the council, when the Horsenden Hill Golf Course’s performance is evaluated independently of Brent Valley and Perivale Golf Courses it has been operating at a loss of in the region of £60,000 per year.
A spokesman for Ealing Council said: “The cabinet report requested approval to commence consultation on proposals, no decision on the future of the golf course was or has yet been made. The future management and operation of Ealing Council’s golf courses will be reviewed by the Overview and Scrutiny Committee to seek greater understanding of the potential for alternative uses of Horsenden Hill golf course for leisure activities and as a Christmas tree farm.”
