ANDOVER Golf Club could be transformed into a new park for “all Andoverians” if a recently submitted motion is given the goahead.

The ambitious plans, which have been submitted to Test Valley Borough Council by Romsey ward member Cllr Mark Cooper, propose that the council should call in the lease from Andover Golf Club so the 45 acre site can be transformed into a recreational park.

He claims that the golf club only has 250 members, and with the much larger Hampshire Golf Club just over a mile away, he believes the large open space should be made available to all of Andover’s 40,000 residents.

He said: “I don’t see how they can sustain their leasing costs and all the usual club overheads on just 250 members.

“It really is time for Test Valley to review its asset and to see if the land is being put to its best use.

“With a population of 40,000 Andover has need for a large amount of recreation land.

“The Andover Golf Course site would make an excellent formal park for the use of all Andoverians, not just a handful of golfers.”

If the proposals are accepted by TVBC it would signal the end the golf club’s 108 year affiliation with the site.

Alongside the 6,000-yard, par 70 course, the club is also home to a pro shop and a clubhouse which is used both by members and private functions.

It has not been outlined how exactly the site would be redeveloped should the motion be accepted.

The proposals will now be discussed by borough councillors at the next full council meeting, following the elections in May.

The Andover Advertiser contacted TVBC for a comment on the proposals and a spokesperson said: “Officers will prepare a report for councillors to consider, which will outline the implications of the proposal contained in the motion to council.”

The Advertiser also contacted Andover Golf Club but no one was available to provide an official comment on the story as we went to press.

l What do you think of the motion?

Send your views to newsdesk@ andoveradvertiser.co.uk