The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Controversial new crazy golf course closed until spring
Arbroath’s new £200,000 seafront crazy golf course is finished and looking swish. But it is out of bounds until spring.
The nine-holer replaces a tired layout at the entrance to the West Links play area.
Angus councillors pumped £212,000 of town centre regeneration fund cash into the project.
But some questioned the scale of the spend and are wondering why it’s not open to visitors.
The money for the project came from a Scottish Government fund set up to help councils rejuvenate their towns.
Across Angus, around £1.4 million has been spent on projects.
The money was dished out on a population basis.
Arbroath received the biggest part of the pot at more than £400,000.
But schemes had to be committed by the end of March and the funds fully spent by the end of September.
And the course will stay padlocked until spring when it and the other West Links attractions reopen to visitors.
The council is still looking for someone to take over the running of kiddie carts, a refreshment kiosk and other attractions.
West Links also includes a popular playpark and skatepark which are well used all year round. There is also a paddling pool.
But it lost Kerr’s Miniature Railway when the family-run favourite closed in 2020 after 85 years.
The project split opinion when it was agreed.
Supporters said it would be a welcome addition to the West Links park and be accessible to all visitors.
But critics questioned the amount it cost and said crazy golf was outdated.
Council leader David Fairweather said: “The new crazy golf course at West Links is another major attraction for locals and visitors to enjoy and no doubt will be popular with everyone, young and elderly, for many years to come.
“The West Links, after many years of neglect has, over the last 12 years, seen investment that has increased its popularity and made it a must-go destination in the summer period.
“Council officers have assured me we are in the last phase of appointing an operator with a further commitment that all areas of the park and facilities will be open as usual for Easter 2022.
“I look forward to seeing all enjoy this fantastic multifunction park.”
Councillor Brenda Durno previously criticised the cost of the project.
She said: “I had a look at it and the space does look more enhanced.
“It has a more natural feel with the wood and ropes, but it’s not very exciting.
“I doubt if people will be raving about it.
“Hopefully it could be advertised as a business opportunity and we can claw the funds back in rent.”