Golf course vandalism drives members away - boss

A golf club boss has said repeated damage at his course by off-road bikes was "disheartening" and caused some members to quit.

Phil Hares, general manager of Burslem Golf Club, said groups of vandals riding electric bikes across the greens had become an increasing issue recently.

The club, which has been operating since 1907, has previously tried to block access using a scaffolding structure, but was threatened with a notice to remove it.

"It's a member-run club, it's a hub for the community," Mr Hares said, adding: "It's just frustrating we have to spend money on repairs when we could be investing in other things."

He said the bikes accessed the course through a side entrance, which was a public right of way that in the past had a gate on it.

The club had asked Stoke-on-Trent City Council to install a new gate, but said so far the issue had not been resolved.

They tried to block the entrance with scaffolding poles, Mr Hares said, but were issued with a notice to remove it.

There had been no damage to the course while the scaffolding was up, he added.

"We're just trying to protect the course, and the people who are doing the damage seem to be getting away with it," he said.

Councillor Amjid Wazir said the city council was actively working on a solution to protect the golf club and its members.

"It's a complex issue with no easy fix," he said.

"Any approach must keep the path open and accessible to everyone.

"Illegal biking is a menace. We are working with Staffordshire Police to crack down on those who damage green spaces and put the public at risk through the use of off-road motorbikes.

"We are stepping up patrols in problem areas and offenders can - and will - have their bikes seized."

Staffordshire Police said officers were appealing for information about the most recent incident, which took place between 20 and 21 April.

They said the suspect had been described as a white male, aged about 12 years old, with dark hair and wearing jogging bottoms.

Mr Hares believes that because the electric bikes operate quietly, it can be difficult to hear them getting onto the golf course.

He estimated the damage had cost the club about £20,000 over the past two years.

First team captain Tom Winkle said the issue had dented morale.

"You have to try to explain to the team that you're playing against the reasons why the course is how it is, and we just can't stop it," he said.

Mr Winkle has been a member for about seven years, and said the problem had been getting worse.

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