A CONTROVERSIAL consultation on plans to close an Oldbury golf course will be discussed this week.

The findings of the survey of residents and golfers on the future of the Brandhall course is be presented to members of the Safer Neighbourhoods and Active Communities Scrutiny Board on Thursday.

The proposals have enraged club members who claim it would mean the loss of the only municipal facility in Sandwell and force players to go to more expensive private clubs in the borough.

Councillors are being asked to consider the outcome of a six-week consultation which proposed three options on the closure of the course and its replacement of up to 800 homes, a park and the relocation of Causeway Green Primary School onto the site.

The plans have been met with fierce resistance from club members and local residents who attacked the council survey, saying it offered didn’t offer a fourth choice of keeping the course open.

People living next to course have said the plans would also exacerbate problems of flooding, which have hit roads and homes in the past. 

Opponents have submitted a petition with 386 signatures calling for the course to be saved. 

Sandwell Council has said the course should close because the number of players using the 18 hole facility has fallen over recent years and it costs £257,000 each year in subsidies, when the majority of members are coming from outside the borough 

It has also said it is in ‘poor condition’ and estimates it would cost £3 million to bring it up to an acceptable standard –  but golfers say this figure is exaggerated.

The committee will consider the findings of the consultation at its meeting on Thursday (February 27) before passing on its recommendations to the council’s cabinet.