A group of local golfers is bidding to save one of Britain’s oldest municipal courses, after documents were leaked stating Liverpool City Council’s plans to sell the Allerton venue.
The group of disgruntled members met earlier this month to discuss the issue and have been attracting support to the cause on Twitter. The page ‘SaveAllertonGC’ has been generating interest among golf enthusiasts, and has gained over 150 followers in the past few days.
The page has also been spreading awareness by contacting high-profile names such as Lee Westwood and Ian Poulter in a bid to raise the campaign’s profile.
After the recent announcement of the cuts to Liverpool City Council’s central government grants, it is believed that selling the Allerton course, as well as Kirkby golf course, would save the council up to £300,000.
The course, which was built in 1923, plays host to three golf clubs – Allerton, Dudley and Allerton Ladies, and is a popular venue for both experienced and beginner players alike.
Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson has said the courses still have opportunities to remain open: “Fifty-two per cent of our budget has been taken off us, and this is a situation that is only going to get worse. The courses will only close if ways of making them pay fail.”
With the courses facing closure as early as April, it is widely believed that the potential sale of the land would be used for housing.