Crazy golf closes amid calls for a replacement

The seafront putting green and crazy golf course closed on Sunday as part of the Next Wave project to develop Bexhill's seafront. A swathe of green space for community events and park games will replace the attraction.

Brian Storkey, chair of Bexhill Tourism Association (BEXTA), called the closure "sad" and "a shame", adding that he and some of his colleagues were considering campaigning the council to bring back the crazy golf facility.

"I don't think we should lose it," he said. "I think we should improve it. We need more attractions for families like that, not less.

"It would be nice if we could get something going and try to pressure the council into bringing it back in some way.

"Even though it wasn't in top condition it was very popular, you always had people playing on it during the summer months, bringing in a useful revenue at the same time. It has been the only family "attraction" of its kind near to the town centre. It is also quite easily contained so it would not need to interfere with other planned activities on the green."

Cllr Paul Lendon, of St Stephen's Ward, grabbed a piece of local history by making sure he was the last player on the course, teeing off at 4.45pm.

"As the putting green has always been part of my seafront life and my family's, I particularly wanted to be the last official paying player on the last round," he said.

"I managed to get a hole in one, which I'm sure Max Faulkner would have been proud of. Farewell putting green, just like the Metropole Hotel that occupied the site previously. We now await the next phase for this interesting piece of land."

Rother District Council chief exceutive Derek Stevens acknowledged the possibility of a green returning if there was "a high public demand".

"The Metropole lawn will be extended as part of the Next Wave scheme creating a larger green space which members of the public can enjoy for free, rather than having to pay for putting as they do at the moment," he said.

"This new green space will allow people to take part in a variety of activities from park games to simply sitting and relaxing. It will also be able to host community events.

"While a number of residents have commented on the number of people they see using the putting green, the reality is that our figures show it is relatively little-used and it will cease to operate at that location. However, if in the future we believe there is a high public demand for putting in Bexhill, the council can look into the viability of providing it elsewhere."

Commenting on tourism website discoverbexhill.com, the user Jackie wrote: "I am a little disappointed that we will not be keeping the putting and crazy golf. Yes yes, I know you are all thinking it's naff, old-fashioned and not at all crazy or exciting.

"Lots of people get enjoyment from it, also it is our only facility on the front. I would like to see it improved, after all Hastings keeps several running. They also host part of the world champion crazy golf contest there!

"How great it would be if Bexhill had a team and could join in."