Basildon's municipal golf course could soon be in the hands of a private firm, it has been revealed.
A leading councillor has admitted the course, in Clays Hill Lane, Kingswood, could be leased out to ensure improvements to its clubhouse and other facilities can be made in the future.
Basildon Council, which opened the course in 1967, first looked into the possibility of selling it in 2000, and officers are now considering the financial implications of placing it in private hands.
Portfolio holder for community and leisure Anthony Hedley admitted the course could be sold "at the right price", but played down fears the facility would close.
He said: "We have been speaking to consultants about the possibilty of introducing arm's length management for the course.
"This would mean we would sell the management of the course on a long-term lease, but we would not sell the freehold.
"If this were to happen, one of the conditions which any company would need to fulfil would be to ensure the continued provision of pay-to-play facilities."
Published Friday June 11, 2004
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