Council pledge over Shrewsbury Meole Brace Golf Course

Shrewsbury's public golf course will not be sold unless an "exceptional" offer is made for the land, council chiefs insisted today. Rumours had been rife about a sale.

It was rumoured that Shropshire Council was looking to offload Meole Brace Golf Course after it was revealed a developer was in talks with the authority, which owns the site.

But council leader Keith Barrow today moved to reassure residents and end speculation about its future.

He said: "I have discussed this widely with residents and will continue to do so."

He added: "We did receive an inquiry several months ago and initial discussions took place with officers, but the matter has not progressed any further.

"To make it absolutely clear we have no plans to sell or market the course.

"If an exceptional offer was made for the land, we would be obliged to consider it but would carry out full consultation with all interested parties before making any decisions."

Last week Shrewsbury's MP Daniel Kawczynski called on council bosses to meet with him and discuss the future of the course.

This month residents were warned they faced losing the site if they did not use it after it was revealed a multi-million pound bid had been made.

About 150 people att-ended a meeting at the Guildhall to voice opposition.

Will Shakespeare, golf professional at Meole Brace Golf Club, this month said the club was a great entry level facility for getting youngsters involved in the game but in recent months the council had forced the club to put prices up leading to a fall in numbers.

In September, Councillor Barrow said officers had received an offer for the course in the region of £15 million to £18 million.