RESIDENTS are being asked to help shape the future of Leamington’s Newbold Comyn.
It follows the sudden closure of the golf course at the end of last year after former management company Mack Golf withdrew from its contract.
The course, which makes up a large part of the 120 hectare country park, has remained unplayed since, although council chiefs agreed in March to spend £50,000 maintaining it while not in use.
But with a decline in the number of golfers using the course its future hangs in the balance and there is no guarantee the fairways and greens will ever be played again.
While re-opening the 45-year-old course has not been ruled out, the council is keen to hear ideas for the future of the popular parkland which includes the Leam Valley Nature Reserve.
While any sort of housing development has been ruled out, no other suggestions for the land have yet been put forward.
A survey by the council aims to discover residents’ relationship with Newbold Comyn – how often they visit and what they do there.
The responses will help with the drawing up of a shortlist of recommendations for its future, which councillors are expected to consider at the end of October. Following further investigation a final decision is expected next summer.
Coun Michael Coker said: “I would urge residents to take a few minutes to fill in the survey and share with us how and when they use Newbold Comyn to help shape its future. We want it to continue to be much loved and well used, ensuring it meets local needs.
“I would also like to emphasise that it is about improving and enhancing the use of this space which sits at the heart of the community, we do not foresee any significant changes to the existing facilities at Newbold Comyn.”
Visit www.warwickdc.gov.uk/newboldcomynpark to complete the survey. Paper copies are also available at the council’s Riverside House headquarters in Leamington.
