A GOLF club director has moved to allay fears his course is about to close, promising it will be open for business until at least 2009.

Nigel Galvin said he wanted to end rumours about the future of the Mount Oswald Golf Club, in Durham, and has guaranteed play until at least the end of next year.

The Durham 2020 Vision earmarks the 18-hole course for office buildings, and rumours that the course is on the verge of closure have hit business and membership numbers.

Mr Galvin said: "We have had offers, but we've had offers for 15 to 20 years. As and when an offer is finalised, we will let people know.

"Recent rumours have been wide of the mark, with many claiming the venue is already closed or that its closure is imminent, which is far from reality. This, however, has not stopped the rumour mill working overtime and creating more spurious speculation that continues to disrupt business.

"This is all creating a major problem for business and the golf course and conference venue, so we wish to confirm that we are open throughout this year and next."

Mr Galvin said club members would be officially informed of this guarantee at a meeting, to be held on Wednesday. Golfers are only usually given a one-year play guarantee, at the annual meeting, which is held in November.

Thirty-two staff are employed at the course, which is owned by Clive McKeag's North of England Estates and leased to the golf club year by year.

The course hosts two of the North-East's most important golf tournaments - the men's and ladies' Macmillan Opens, as well as about 50 members' tournaments.

It is open to non-members, who play up to 20,000 rounds a year.

Mr Galvin said: "Our membership is heading off and our business levels have dropped considerably.

"I want people to know we are still here for golf, meals, conferences, weddings and functions.

"We will be here in 2007 and 2008. We can't guarantee any longer than that but I don't think anybody can. If we can guarantee play over 2009, we will do that."