Couple step in to save community golf course

Lynda and Andrew Price have agreed to take over Spring Mill in Ossett, following the cash-strapped authority’s decision to shut it in April.

The closure was heavily criticised by the local community, who launched a campaign to keep it open.

And Mr and Mrs Price, who run a skip hire business in Dewsbury, have now given the course a lifeline - and will re-open it to the public for the first time tomorrow.

A resident of the town, Mrs Price said: “It was such a shame to see it close. Ossett doesn’t have much in the way of things for the community to enjoy.”

The couple have worked with local councillors and volunteers to revamp the clubhouse and turn it into a tea room.

They hope the business will generate income to support the nine-hole golf course, which is also popular with dog walkers and fitness groups.

And they have ambitious plans to improve the course, create a driving range and children’s playground and install a kitchen to serve hot food.

Mrs Price said: “Even though it is near the motorway, Spring Mill is very quiet and peaceful. It is a beautiful spot.

“We didn’t want to see that go to rack and ruin and it didn’t need to.”

She thanked all the volunteers who helped with the transformation, adding: “Without them and their hard work, we would not have not got to where we are.

“We’re feeling nervous about the re-opening but we are confident that it is going to go well and can’t wait to get people through the door.”

Several public meetings were held in the town in the weeks that followed the council’s decision to close the course, and two others in Thornes and Pontefract Parks.

Ossett ward councillor Lynn Masterman said: “We wanted to see what could be done and whether it could be taken over.

“It’s exciting and a real success story, that shows just what people can do when they pull together and work to a common goal.”

The course will be open from 10am on Saturday.