TENSIONS are rising over the future of Dalmilling golf course which could be scrapped for a housing development and playpark.

There has been an outcry following South Ayrshire Council’s announcement last month that they were considering developing houses and playpark on the popular course, as part of the local development plan.

Private discussions are understood to have taken place, at the county buildings between councillors to remove this suggestion from the proposals which has been unsuccessful.

The issue was brought up by Chic Brodie, at an Alloway and Doonfoot community council meeting, who believed this proposal had been removed from the plan.

But this was denied by Cllr Derek McCabe who is adamant proposals and planning applications will still to be submitted following public consultation with residents and golfers.

At the meeting Cllr Derek McCabe said: “We have asked for the council to remove Dalmilling golf course from that part of the report but they have not listened.

“They seem hell bent on cutting services as that is their way of saving money. That is not how we would save money.”

Andrew Russell, who attended the meeting, said: “There are already football fields and there is plenty of green space for a play park and housing.

“If they decide to go ahead with their plan, that is just nonsense.”

Chairwoman Marilyn Dalgleish, said: “It is a lovely piece of land. We don’t want to see houses built on it.”

Posting online Alisdair Malcolm, of Ayrshire Golf Association said: “Dalmilling Municipal Golf Course on the outskirts of Ayr is an 18-hole parkland course and is set between the famous racecourse and the A77.

“Following the recent confirmation from South Ayrshire Council that there are plans being discussed to close Ayr Dalmilling golf course and replace it with housing and a public park, there are fears the local authority in South Ayrshire now have Maybole golf course in their sights for closure also.

“The threatened closure of two of South Ayrshire’s eight municipal courses would be a huge blow to golf in the area.

“It would affect many of the member clubs of The Ayrshire Golf Association attached to the two courses, and indeed those clubs attached to the other six courses who would no doubt suffer a knock on affect from an increased number of players chasing tee times at peak periods.”