Popular West London Golf Course Facing Closure

Perivale Park Golf Course in Ealing, West London, is facing potential closure following plans announced by the local council to create a regional park in the area.

Releasing a statement prior to a council meeting earlier this month, as reported by https://ealing.news/, Councillor Peter Mason, Leader of Ealing Council, said: "We are creating a rare opportunity for an incredible new regional park in our capital. The Elizabeth II Park has transformed the east of London and this new regional park has the potential to have similar positive effect on the borough and West London."

Councillor Mason added: "The proposed regional park would provide a beautiful new space with rewilded land and woodlands as well as new places to improve health, play sports and enjoy cultural events right in the heart of our borough."

Additionally, Councillor Deirdre Costigan, Ealing Council’s deputy leader and cabinet member for climate action, commented: "Our plan for a new regional park is a massive step forward in the work we are doing work to tackle air pollution and reduce the impact of the climate emergency. We promised residents 10 new parks and 50,000 more trees but a regional park will be a real game changer, delivering not just new open spaces, but active travel routes, wildlife rich wetlands and habitats and a great day out for all our residents. We are looking forward to hearing your views later this year which will help us develop the plans for the new park."

However, this has faced strong opposition from the many people who regularly play at the Perivale Park Golf Course and its associated Golf Club, with golfers setting up a petition to declare their shock at the plans.

The petition says: "After nearly 100 years Ealing Council want to close Perivale Park Golf Course and rewild the area.

"This is the only nine hole municipal course left in Ealing. It is a very diverse, inclusive and accessible club open to everyone used regularly by all ethnic backgrounds, young, old and all abilities at an affordable price, supporting people’s health and well-being.

"The cafe which is open to everyone is also under threat. It is a social hub for all those using the golf course, sports facilities next door, walking groups and clients from local health care facilities creating a real sense of community in a safe environment. We have been informed there is every chance the cafe will also close."

2,150 people (at time of writing) have now signed the online petition, which is nearing its target of 2,500 signatures.

An accompanying video has already been released on YouTube, which outlines the views of those who use the golf course. Further details on the council's plans are yet to be confirmed, but the course is expected to be closed during 2024.

There are echos to the sad story of Allestree Park in Derbyshire, which has been chronicled by campaigner and Golfshake Ambassador Andy Picken.

Public, accessible golf courses are hugely important to the overall health of the sport in this country, and the loss of Perivale Park would be felt by many both young and old.