GOLFERS in Clydebank have stepped up their opposition to rising fees to play at the town’s municipal course.

Adult season ticket prices for Dalmuir Golf Course have jumped 24 per cent since the 2019/20 budget was approved in March.

Members of the Clydebank Overtoun, Randor Park and Clydeview Cleddans golf clubs have contacted West Dunbartonshire councillors over the cost and declining condition of the course.

Len Oliver, vice captain of Clydebank Overtoun Golf Club, told them: “It is very disappointing for me and other members who participate in a number of team matches against other golf clubs, to have to apologise for the poor condition of the course during early May, then July, August and September.

“It could be said that when the season ticket price was set at a reasonable rate, you get what you pay for being a public golf course, but the course was always in a fair condition. However over the last few seasons, the prices have rocketed to unacceptable levels, while the condition and lack of facilities has most definitely deteriorated.

“This golf course has always been a part of nearly every golfer who plays here and surrounding courses lives, and holds many memories for all.”

But council leader Jonathan McColl, inset, in a response to to the club and copied to the Post, said: “While I accept that the golf course is a nice facility that we should continue to have, in order that we protect more vital services provided by the council to those most in need, a political decision was made to increase this and other charges across the council.

“Our municipal golf course continues to be heavily subsidised and represents excellent value for money compared to the private offering across West Dunbartonshire.

“We have no plans to look again at this year’s charging review.”

Community Party councillor Jim Bollan, who also copied the Post into his response to golfers, said: “I share your concerns hence one of the reasons I voted against the SNP budget.

“In the first budget passed by the current SNP administration they introduced a new budget heading called “commercialisation”. When the SNP were questioned about this at the time they could not give examples of what “commercialisation” meant. We now know: well above inflation hikes in charges for council services.

“Many other vital service increases have ranged from five to 20 per cent while inflation is around three per cent.”