FRIENDS, Romans, countrymen...come and enjoy Colchester’s newest attraction.

Work has almost been completed on the Putt in the Park crazy golf course in Lower Castle Park.

The facility had been due to open yesterday but the searing temperatures over the Bank Holiday weekend caused delays to the finishing touches.

The mini golf course will now open on Saturday and the firm behind the project is looking forward to the long-awaited day.

Crazy golf firm Putt in the Park designed the facility on the site of the old bowling green with 14 holes to challenge golfers.

Gazette:

  • George Scanlan, 9, and Connor Thompson-Smith, 10, try out the course

There is also a newly-built clubhouse which will serve food and drinks including alcoholic beverages.

The layout of the course is similar to the firm’s London venues, but with a design which reflects Colchester’s Roman history.

Gazette:

  • Jodi Bond tests out the course

Designed by Steve Vallory, the holes sport miniature statues, Roman helmets and a large fountain in the centre.

Co-founder Justin Fish said they were inspired by the award-winning park in deciding to create their first course outside London and described Castle Park as the “perfect location”.

Gazette:

  • Staff member Thea Minet testing the course

The application triggered some controversy with concerns raised over noise and disturbance caused by players drinking on site.

But Justin said: “We have three other sites and they all have alcohol licences. We’ve never had any problems with alcohol.”

He also says that as well as catering to families, the course is aimed at all ages including adults who may want to have a beer when they have completed their game.

Justin said the concern came about when they mistakenly filed an application with Colchester Council saying they would close after 10pm raising concerns about late-night drinking in the park.

He added: “We will close when the park closes, we are not a late-night drink den because it’s not what we do.”

Gazette:

Prices to take part are £9 for an adult, £7 for under 15s, £26 for a family-of-four and £32 for four adults.