Golf course may never reopen after backers pull out

Brackenwood golf course has been closed since 2022

A golf course which a community has been fighting to save for two years may never reopen.

Brackenwood Golf Course in Bebington was closed in 2022 following Wirral Council budget cuts.

A bid, put forward by Brackenwood Community Golf Limited (BCGL) to take it over, was approved in July 2023 but an email to councillors, seen by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, said a different proposal had been put forward.

Golf club secretary Keith Marsh said he was "bitterly disappointed".

'Stick to vision'

RM Estates, who had been supporting the golf club with a rental guarantee, have pulled out and told the council an 18-hole course was not sustainable.

They put forward an alternative proposal for a small golf course which they said would be more sustainable and attractive to beginners.

The issue was meant to come to committee in June but was pushed back to a policy and resources meeting on 17 July due to the general election.

Mr Marsh said they would be putting forward another proposal which was the same as that previously approved by councillors.

He said: "I hope they stick to their vision from last year. We have got Link Golf ready and waiting to open it up."

A council report suggests councillors keep the land but "maximise its use for grass playing pitches for a variety of sports (without floodlights)" as well as improve natural habitats and biodiversity.

There would be plans to improve community access as well as future allotments on part of the site.

Other options include selling the golf course for £950,000 to anyone interested in using it for sport and recreation, or reopen the process to transfer the golf course into community hands.

The report said the council would not respond until councillors made a decision.