GOLF course bosses have moved to quash rumours the site could be sold for development.

Leaflets had been distributed in the Marsden ward of Nelson claiming Marsden Park Golf Course could be sold off to make way for a huge housing development.

But according to club officials, the facility is thriving and council bosses say there are no plans to cash in on the land.

The course is part of Pendle Leisure Trust and run by professional golfer Neil Reeves, who took over the operation in April last year when it was under threat of closure.

The Nelson golf course was also under threat in 2016 due to the reduction in government funding to Pendle Council and consequently to Pendle Leisure Trust. But it was saved at the eleventh hour and council bosses said it was a case of ‘use it or lose it’ for the community.

Mr Reeves said: “Marsden Park is a great course to play and is at a standard to match some of the top ranking courses in the county, with wonderful, breath-taking views.

“My wife Trudi and I have worked hard during the last year to build up the social side, host events and introduce new golf competitions in a bid to offer visitors all the facilities they want, as well as provide a venue for non-golfers and the local community to use for private functions.”

When he took over the course last year, Mr Reeves said he was keen to make the club more social and plans to host events and introduce new competitions were introduced to help with that.

He added: “The clubhouse will be open when the course is open, midweek as well as weekends, in a bid to re-awaken the social side and offer visitors all the facilities they want, as well as for non-golfers and the local community to use for private functions.

Leader of Pendle Council, Cllr Mohammed Iqbal, said: “Pendle Leisure Trust has a long-term lease on this land and the council is committed to it remaining a golf course. I can confirm we have no intention whatsoever to build on this land.”

The 18-hole course is set within a scenic location in Town House Road, Nelson.