THE future of an historic Bournemouth golf course could be put in doubt by a review of open spaces across the conurbation.

Council chiefs have revealed closing Queen’s Park Golf Course will be considered as part of a wide-ranging review, which is due to be carried out over the next 12 months.

The course was opened in 1905 and went on to establish a reputation as a high-standard municipal course.

Over the years, it hosted several European Tour events, welcoming golf legend Seve Ballesteros and fellow major winners Bobby Locke and Henry Cotton.

At present three golf courses are located in the space of a five-mile stretch on land both sides of the A338, with Meyrick Park, Queen’s Park and Playgolf Bournemouth off Riverside Avenue.

This subject was raised by a resident to BCP Council leader Vikki Slade on Twitter. Cllr Slade responded by saying “we are looking at Queen’s Park’s future”.

Councillor Felicity Rice, portfolio holder for environment and climate change, said: “As part of the council’s green spaces strategy we will be undertaking a review of all public open spaces across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.

“This review will involve assessing all open spaces across the three towns to determine the best long term use of those sites for everyone.

“Consultation and engagement with local residents and stakeholders will be fundamental to any long term decisions that are taken following that review.

“Whilst there are no plans at present to close Queens Park Golf course it will be looked at as part of the longer term review to assess how best we can use this space for the benefit of all residents and future users of the park.”

Talk of the review came as a surprise to Conservative Queen’s Park ward councillor Mark Anderson, who told the Daily Echo he had not been informed any such consultation was coming up.

“The Unity Alliance is yet to consult me because I am of the wrong political colour,” said Cllr Anderson.

“This is the first I have heard of it. As far as I am concerned, I am on the record with the Daily Echo of having said I am not interested in closing golf at Queen’s Park because it brings revenue to support the park and keep it open.

“No one has approached me at this stage.”