NEWBOLD Comyn Golf Course will not be replaced by a housing development promise council chiefs.
Rumours have started to circulate as owners Warwick District Council looks to end its management contract with Mack Golf which closed the Leamington course on New Year’s Eve in breach of its contract.
But whatever the future holds for the course, council chiefs have been quick to quash speculation the land could be used for new homes.
Council leisure spokesman Michael Coker plainly stated: “I would like to dispel any rumours that the council is intending to utilise Newbold Comyn for a housing development.”
A council committee has considered a report from their officers outlining the circumstances of the closure. It was reported despite legal warnings from the council, Mack Golf had no right to “walk away” from the contract and had ignored demands to continue operating the course.
The committee was told the council was within its rights to sue Mack Golf for breach of contract and seek damages.
But the committee also heard the service the firm had been providing had not been up to the standard required by the council for some time, despite ongoing concerns raised by council officers.
As a result, the committee decided to start negotiations to end the contractual relationship with Mack Golf – which it is understood was to have run until 2060.
Footpaths around the course remain open, but golfers are not permitted to use the fairways and greens.
Mr Coker added: “I am very disappointed that Mack Golf has left our residents unable to play on their local golf course.
“I’m afraid I cannot offer any guarantees about the future of the golf course until we have entered into our negotiations with Mack Golf, but I will keep the public informed about our progress.”
During the negotiations to end the contract, Mack Golf remains responsible for the land comprising the course and has agreed although the golf course is closed to the public, it will maintain the land so that it does not fall into further disrepair.
Mack Golf has declined to comment when contacted by The Observer.
The course was created from ridge and furrow farmland in 1973. The 6,315 yard course has developed over the decades to become recognised as one of the finest municipal courses in the West Midlands.
