2 weeks Ago
Two courses at Belfairs Golf Club, in Leigh, have been damaged with tyre marks covering the greens. It is believed vandals on bikes targeted the course overnight on Thursday, with residents discovering the damage on Friday morning. This is the latest in a string of incidents after yobs wearing balaclavas “destroyed” part of the golf course while riding “stolen” quad bikes just weeks ago at the end of September.
At the time of that incident, residents claimed the quad bikes had been stolen and were spotted riding along the A13 near Chalkwell Park before the incident. Some of the courses were also left unplayable back in December 2023 when quad bike riders caused £100,000 of damage to the course. Lydia Hyde, councillor for climate, environment, and waste, said: “We are disappointed to see further mindless damage to Belfairs golf course which affects the quality of the course and costs us time and money to repair.
“We are currently looking into this latest incident, but the course is open as usual at the current time.” Belfairs Golf Club officially opened on September 11, 1926, and was regarded as one of the top golf courses in Britain. It is still seen as “one of the best municipal courses” in the country.
Jack Warren, councillor for Belfairs ward, added: “Our grounds team works so hard to maintain the greens, so it is incredibly frustrating to see them damaged by idiots again. “I would encourage residents in the surrounding area of Belfairs Park to review any doorbell footage for unusual activity and to share any findings with the police or with their councillors. “I will also be discussing with the council what further measures can be put in place to protect the golf course moving forwards.
” Essex Police has been contacted for comment by the Echo..
