Golf site sell-off criticised
Plans to sell-off Shrewsbury's public golf course, which would raise millions of pounds for new developments, have been strongly criticised.
Belle Vue resident Brian Rapson said the Meole Brace club was a "haven for walkers and wildlife" and used by a huge range of people.
He said many residents in Belle Vue were angry at the report to be discussed by the council's cabinet tonight.
It recommends discussions start straight away with developers to build houses on the golf course.
"The borough's overview committee had strongly requested it consider the proposals before they went to the cabinet.
"This has been denied. Local residents are baffled by this need for such haste," he said.
"The area is currently green space under the borough's local plan. But to allow the sale of the land, which would earn the council millions of pounds from developers, the council must change its local plan."
The report recommends selling the land to developers and relocating the present golf course.
Mr Rapson added: "I believe this signals their intent to develop one of the last remaining beautiful open spaces in Shrewsbury's centre regardless of the views of their so-called customers, all for a quick buck."
But council chiefs have said large amounts of cash need to be raised to pay for a host of "priority" schemes.
