QUESTIONS remain over when the popular Sandbanks Crazy Golf course will reopen after BCP Council “refused” to renew the previous operator’s tenancy.

The service has now been brought in-house, although no exact date has been set for when it will reopen with the council carrying out some “essential improvement works”.

An email sent from the tenant to customers on Sunday which has been seen by the Daily Echo said: “Great weather today for a round of crazy golf at Sandbanks, and last chance for a discount.

“Our lease expires today, and the BCP Council have refused to renew it.

“Thanks for all the support over the years, and best wishes to all.”

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A spokesperson for BCP Council said: “The lease agreement to operate the Sandbanks Mini Golf has recently expired, and the decision not to renew was communicated to the outgoing tenant with the appropriate notice period. 

“The course will reopen before the main summer season, once some essential safety and improvement works are carried out and will be operated directly by BCP Council.

“This will provide local tax payers with a financial return and facilitate longer term investment options. 

“Updates of the ongoing works will be posted on site and on the council’s social media account.”

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BCP Council portfolio holder for tourism, Cllr Mohan Iyengar, was contacted by the Daily Echo but was unable to provide further information.

Former leader of the council, Cllr Vikki Slade, said she wanted to see the budget for the work and it was important the price to play was not hiked.

She said: “I’ve been told, after the success of the Smuggler’s Cove (at Pier Approach), they are looking to commercialise and make improvements to it.

“Smuggler’s Cove is so ridiculously expensive, I want to know what they are doing is affordable.

“Why would you close it down two weeks before Easter and hope it will be open for summer?

“Why not run it in-house how it is and make improvements in the winter?

“It’s a really well-used, well-loved crazy golf course that provides an affordable attraction for people visiting Sandbanks.

“The fact they are closing it down to redevelop it concerns me. That is why I am asking questions about how much they are spending and whether it will affect the prices for the public.

“I think it will be really sad to see it fenced off and closed for the spring season.”