IN reference to Malcolm Dunstone’s letter about plans to merge Stressholme and Blackwell golf clubs, in Darlington (HAS, Sept 15), I fully support his comments, especially his view that “until recently, Stressholme was not a drain on the council’s resources”.

The problem seems to lie with the clubhouse, which can easily be resolved by leasing it out – a suggestion made by the leader of Darlington’s Conservative group, Councillor Heather Scott (Echo, Sept 15).

A major factor which seems to be overlooked by council leader Bill Dixon (Echo, Sept 12) is that Stressholme Golf Club is bucking the trend by increasing its membership each year.Could we be witnessing another financial disaster by Darlington Council?

Alex Allender, Stressholme Golf Club, Darlington.