PLANS to hand over management of a municipal golf course to a private firm could possibly lead to a championship-style course being created, according to a local councillor.

Azhar Ali said the move to boost investment in the Marsden Park public course could revolutionise the game in Pendle.

Seven management firms have already expressed interest in running the links, probably on a 30-year lease. Pendle Council would continue to own the course and set maximum prices to ensure the links stayed open to the public at an affordable price.

Councillors last night agreed to invite the management firms to tender for the franchise to run the course, whose future has been the subject of speculation for many years. An option to sell the land was ruled out.

Coun Ali told the council's service monitoring sub-committee: "The Labour group supports the recommendation not to sell the golf course. That's something we've been vehemently against for a long time. "It's welcome to see an option that's going to look at improving the golf course. This could revolutionise the game of golf in Pendle and in the rest of East Lancashire.

"If you look at other courses, it's brought extra investment in and extra attractions. It wouldn't require that much extra space to make it a championship golf course."

Coun David Whipp said: "I'm sad the sort of investment needed at the course is not possible under the municipal umbrella.

"This authority has been unable to invest in facilities in recent years, which has meant we have been unable to lots of things we would have liked."

He added: "There's no doubt fresh investment is needed to maintain this facility to benefit the playing public. The franchise option is one that has very real attractions."

Councillors were told that if a suitable deal was not found they did not have to award a franchise.

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