Club accused of snobbery after dropping part of name

Yesterday, an official at Castle Eden Golf Club vigorously denied suggestions of snobbery after its members' decision to remove Peterlee from its logo.

Peterlee Town Council leader Councillor Bill Jeffrey hit out at the club, pointing out how it had secured 51 extra prime acres in the exclusive community.

"The club was only sold the freehold of the land from the former development corporation on the understanding that it included Peterlee in its name."

He added: "We want to know why they have removed the town's name and we have sought legal advice to ensure it is reinstated."

Peterlee town clerk John Arthur confirmed the long-standing deal and produced leases dating back to the 1960s, which clearly stated the club must include Peterlee in its title.

In addition, a more recent freehold also ruled that both incoming industrialists and Peterlee residents should be given priority when it came to membership of the club.

The club has flourished for several decades under the name of Castle Eden and Peterlee Golf Club.

But at its recent annual meeting members voted to remove the next door neighbour's name and, despite a number of requests from the town council, they have so far failed to give an explanation for their decision.

But last night, club secretary Derek Livingston said: "This is a members club and it is they who make the decisions. There is nothing untoward in what the members have done, they simply felt that the club was generally known as Castle Eden and it was a simpler title.

"It has nothing to do with snobbery and we have been advised by our solicitors that we are within our rights," he said, adding that 60 per cent of the club's membership, which has a waiting list of more than 200, were from Peterlee.

Despite the response the town council has pledged to fight the move and restore Peterlee to what it believes is its rightful place in the club's official name.