A NEW golf facility that was due to open on Scotland’s ‘Golf Coast’ in a matter of weeks has been hastily scrapped.
Plans for a ‘get into golf’ type of venue were given the green light last month.
The local council wanted to build a six-hole hole course on this land[/caption]
The land is in the space to the right of this photograph near the tennis courts[/caption]
But now the local council has performed a u-turn, on the grounds of public safety.
Enjoy Leisure, the body responsible for the provision of sport and leisure facilities in East Lothian, had hoped to create a new six-hole pitch and putt course on land at East Links, just off of East Road and in between the established courses at Glen Golf Club and North Berwick Golf Club.
The space currently has a putting green and tennis courts on it but locals feared that the public footpath that runs alongside it would be adversely impacted.
Some feared walking on the path would become dangerous and Enjoy Leisure received feedback from the community that led to them shelving the proposals.
Bill Axon, chief executive of Enjoy Leisure, said in a letter to residents: “After considering feedback and further assessing the expansion of our existing golf provision in North Berwick, the decision was made last week not to proceed with an additional pitch and putt course in the area.
“I would like to thank those who provided both positive and negative comment from within the community of North Berwick, which was invaluable in allowing Enjoy Leisure to make a final determination.”
Enjoy Leisure had hoped the new facility would encourage locals and tourists with beginner-level abilities to enjoy golf in the region, with East Lothian being one of the sport’s hotspots in Scotland.
Muirfield, a venue for The Open and the Renaissance Club, the host of the Scottish Open, are within a short drive.
Axon had said: “We’re looking forward to the development of a new pitch and putt course at East Links.
“This project aims to enhance recreational opportunities and has been designed with the community in mind.
“We plan to host coaching sessions to encourage youngsters not only to play golf, but also to increase their activity levels, which is one of our main commitments.
“The space will remain accessible for the full East Lothian community and visitors to North Berwick.”
Kenny Miller, chair of North Berwick Community Council, said: “Concerns have been raised about the potential loss of amenity space.
“I haven’t yet seen the extent of this course, whether it occupies more space than the putting green occupied. This is common land.
“Concerns have also been raised about the safety of this proposal, as there is a public footpath alongside the course.
“Enjoy Leisure say the orientation of the holes means this is safe, but presupposes that every shot played goes exactly where it is intended to go. We know that is unlikely to happen.”
A local source told The National: “It’s great that Enjoy Leisure has now confirmed that the Common Good land is for everyone and that the proposed pitch and putt won’t be going ahead.”
The location of the current East Links putting green – with the path alongside[/caption]
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