Loss-making golf club facing closure GOLFERS are being invited to have their say about a council-run club.

The loss-making Roseberry Grange Golf Course, in Chester-le-Street, faces closure.

Durham County Council has to reduce its spending by £125m over the next four years, and the club has seen a drop in members and usage in recent years.

Today, a 12-week consultation exercise will begin. Cabinet member for leisure Bob Young said it was important anyone with an interest took part.

He said: “This is not a decision the council will take lightly, but it is one of many tough choices we will have to make in the coming months and years.

“We realise the golf club is much enjoyed by the members and provides employment for six staff, however, financially, we simply can’t afford to subsidise it. We are very much hoping that, over the next three months, a viable alternative to closure will be found and it goes without saying we will support it in any way we are able.

“However, we have to use our limited resources to maintain frontline services as a priority.”

The consultation runs until May 2 and golf club members, customers and residents are invited to have their say on the proposed closure and offer viable alternatives.

The six staff affected will also enter a period of consultation from today for redeployment or redundancy options.

To comment on the proposals visit durham.gov.uk/haveyoursay or call 0191-372-9187 or fill in a questionnaire at the club.