Pitch and putt axed over 'wayward golf balls'

The pitch and putt on the grass outside Torre Abbey will close

A pitch and putt course on a seafront in Devon is set to be closed amid reports of damage to a historic building from wayward golf shots.

Torre Abbey Pitch and Putt has been in operation in Torquay for 60 years, but Torbay Council has confirmed the attraction is to be axed.

The course is currently located in front of the Spanish Barn, a rare medieval tithe barn with Grade I listing status, as well as Torre Abbey which is a scheduled monument.

The council said the land between the barn and the seafront will be "repurposed and returned to community use".

More than 750 people have signed an online petition to save the pitch and putt.

The petition claims the course is "literally the last public amenity to enjoy in Torquay" which has been "lovingly maintained for many years and really gives something to the community".

Anthony Mills, who set up the petition, said: "Closure of this amenity will only result in the loss of another local attraction which both locals and tourists enjoy."

The council has been debating the future of the golf course since a report from council officers in January highlighted damage to the Spanish Barn’s roof which it said was caused by wayward golf balls.

The council said it would explore how the risk of damage to the Spanish Barn could be reduced and that it was exploring alternative uses for the area to maximise its archaeological history.

It said: “The decision has been made to terminate the current tenancy, with the land being taken back into Torre Abbey’s management from 1 November 2024.”

Putting the land back into community use will be the next phase of a huge restoration programme at the abbey, with potential funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The council said future uses could include sustainable planting, green sports infrastructure, play and events.