Bushey Golf and Country Club has operated a loss since 2012, according to the leader of Hertsmere Borough Council.
That is what Morris Bright told the Bushey Forum last month. Hundreds of people attended a meeting at the Bushey Centre after the closure of the facility was announced a few weeks earlier.
Cllr Bright said the centre’s financial performance has continued to deteriorate to such an extent that, during the last financial year, it made a loss of £685,000.
He said: “There are a number of reasons which have led to this position including but not limited to the nationwide decline in the popularity of golf, a reducing income against a backdrop of escalating fixed costs and increased competition.”
Cllr Bright stressed no decisions about the future use of the site have been made. He revealed that a group will established to explore future options of the site which will consult with residents on potential future uses. Paul Morris, who led a similar group, in Radlett, will lead this project.
Several concerned residents in Bushey contacted BusheyNews after the centre’s closure was announced at the end of January to express their concerns about the future use of the site.
Before the Forum meeting, one man, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “We know that future speculation of the site is running rampant, that a significant number of members have looked to join other centres but that others will have nowhere to go. We know that the country club is still regarded as unique among fitness centres in that its front line staff display a duty of care towards all its members.
“We do not know which companies are ready to present or have already presented plans to the council and the outcome of discussions already had regarding plans for the site. Most importantly, as a stakeholder, we do not know when we can expect to be consulted with by the council.”
As BusheyNews was published, a new meeting to discuss the club was scheduled to take place at The Bushey Academy
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