New arrangements put in place for Swifts’ golfers

(Date of Issue: Friday, 27 June 2008)

The Environment Agency is currently constructing the £24 million Caldew and Carlisle City Flood Alleviation Scheme. As part of the five and a half km of defences, they will be constructing a four and a half metre high flood embankment, which will require the closure of the Swifts golfing range, from next Monday (30 June).

Leader of Carlisle City Council, Cllr Mike Mitchelson, said:

"We have been working closely with the Environment Agency to ensure that the flood defence work moves forward as quickly and effectively as possible. Although short time disruption is inevitable, we will endeavour to minimise the effects of the work, where possible.

"The changes also provide an opportunity to look at how services are currently provided and what improvements could be made in the future, for the benefit of golfers. These will be assessed over the coming months."

Jim Douglas, Managing Director of Carlisle Leisure Ltd, said:

"Temporary alternative arrangements are being put in place for users of the Swifts golfing range at the main golf course at Stony Holme off St Aidan’s Road. On advice from our golf professional Stephen Ling, the range will be sited on the existing practice area and we will be putting in driving bays, distance markers and safety netting. We will welcome all our existing customers to the new arrangements.

"Customers will be able to obtain tokens for the basket of balls through the existing golf shop at the course.

"We will be working with the City Council to explore the options and opportunities for improving golf teaching and practice, including the development of both the Swifts Par 3 course and the Stony Holme course."

The Swifts golfing range is owned by Carlisle City Council and is managed, on their behalf, by Carlisle Leisure Limited.