A Birmingham golf club is to close down with its owners saying it has reached financial meltdown.
North Worcestershire Golf Club , based in Hanging Lane, Northfield, will close its course on March 31 next year and the clubhouse at the end of April.
The course is the subject of a huge scheme involving Bloor Homes to build 800 homes on the site.
The golf club, which is more than 100 years old, has signed an agreement with the developer to sell the 80-acre site.
Northfield MP Richard Burden urged Bloor Homes and the club to come clean over exactly what the plans are and what is going on.
Currently there is no planning permission for any new building on the site.
When the Post asked the club about the homes plan, it refused to comment further.
A spokesman said: “Regretfully the club’s finances and forecast income are insufficient to continue operating viably and the decision to cease trading was made during November.
“The club has nine staff, who were informed immediately of the news.
“Given the previous discussions about the future of the club and the confirmation that operations would continue until 1st May 2016, the news of the closure was not a surprise to employees.
“Most are seeking new posts to start after the end of the season and the Club is assisting with this process.
“The club’s closure, is disappointing but unavoidable and we are now focused on working together to enjoy the course over these last few months.”
Mr Burden said the closure of the club was “regrettable” and added: “If difficult decisions had been made by the club at an early stage this closure could have been avoided.
“I think it is important to remember that the decision to close down the golf club is not the same thing as developers securing permission to redevelop the golf course for housing or anything else.
“We know that this is what Bloor Homes want to do and it is the basis on which they have apparently entered into an agreement with the golf club.
“However, the fact remains that the Planning policy framework under which Birmingham City Council operates still precludes building on North Worcestershire Golf Course land.”
