Council golf course tops for efficiency

Shrewsbury's under threat public golf course is the borough's most efficient sports or leisure facility, figures have shown.

Meole Brace Golf Course met 96 per cent of its costs through its own income, making it the borough council's least subsidised facility.

But attendances, which have been falling since 2002, are down again, in line with a downward national trend for the sport.

There was a slight rise of 1.15 per cent, or an extra 387 people using the course, in 2005/6 but figures so far this year show attendances are down by about 24 per cent.

The fall in attendance, which is down by more than 8,000 users compared to this time last year, has led the council to launch its feasibility study.

Councillor Charles Armstrong, portfolio holder for leisure, said costs at the golf course were also steadily rising, with an increase of about 30 per cent since 2002.

That year it was an income generator for the authority but its efficiency, or income against expenditure, has since fallen from 114 per cent to 96 per cent.

Councillor Armstrong said: "The golf course is the council's most efficient facility because it has low costs compared to other sports.

"There has been a drop though in attendances at the course since 2002 and while income is up by £12,000 costs are also up by £48,000.

"There was a slight increase in attendances in 2005/6 when Bannatynes changing rooms were opened but that was only an increase of 387. It shows you can invest and increase numbers but not by a lot."

The council is currently reviewing its golf provision and could sell the Meole Brace course if it finds golf could be provided better elsewhere.

It has promised a full public consultation and insists no decision has been made, with improving facilities at Meole Brace still an option.

On Monday night cabinet members agreed that the current course could not be sold until a new facility is provided. Part of the course nearest to Oteley Road could be sold to housing developers to help meet affordable home targets.

A report to the council's audit committee shows overall attendances across borough council leisure facilities for 2006/7 up to the end of February are up by 5.77 per cent.

Visitors numbers for the Quarry Swimming Pool dropped from 335,856 in 2005/6 to 278,387 in 2006/7.

By Steve Todd