Proposed Closure of Deangate Golf Course

MEDWAY CONSERVATIVES PRESS RELEASE 31.01.18

For Immediate Release

Proposed Closure of Deangate Golf Course

Following the news that Medway Council’s Cabinet will meet on Tuesday the 6th of February to consider recommendations on the future of Deangate Ridge golf course, Medway Conservatives would like to reassure the public that there is no conflict of interests on the part of Councillor Phil Filmer, Portfolio Holder for Front Line Services and Member for Peninsula.

Councillor Filmer does not receive any remuneration or expenses related recompense through his position as director at Medway Norse, and his position holds no bearing on the decision that is to be brought to Cabinet. Councillor Filmer’s position on the board is purely that of a Council appointee, serving to ensure that the Council’s interests are represented at all levels of Medway Norse’s operation. Furthermore, the running of Deangate Ridge Golf Course as a leisure facility does not lie within Councillor Filmer’s portfolio of Frontline Services.

The paper to be considered by Cabinet sets out the recommendation that Deangate Ridge be closed purely on a financial basis, taking into account its historical, current, and projected future economic performance. Deangate Ridge has persistently made a substantial loss, the cumulative loss standing at over £1.5 million over seven years (an annual average loss over seven years standing at £223,220) – an unsustainable drain on taxpayer resources.

It is important to stress that the Deangate Ridge Indoor Bowls Club is not being considered for closure and will remain open. The recommendations to Cabinet also set out a proposal to begin planning the development of a modern sports centre on the Hoo Peninsula, which will serve a greater number of citizens from across the Hoo and wider Medway area. No final decisions relating to future alternative uses of Deangate Ridge, should Cabinet agree the recommendation to close, will be made at Tuesday’s Cabinet.

ENDS

For further information please contact: Naomi Collison, Political Assistant to the Conservative Group at Medway Council on 01634 332515 or [email protected]