Last week we posted on Facebook about the uncertain future of the minigolf course in Dawlish. Teignbridge Council had decided the course was dangerous and would have to be demolished. This caused a furore among town councillors who said they had not been consulted about what would replace the historic minigolf course and were left in the dark about future plans for the site. The ire of local minigolfers and travelling putters was not mentioned, but we can only assume the would consider it a great loss to the minigolf world.
Well, a week is a long time in minigolf. According to the Torquay Herald Express, the area is to be redeveloped but the minigolf course will remain, albeit with some re-landscaping.
The Exe Estuary Trail cycle route is to be extended through Dawlish and this will require widening an existing footpath running next to the minigolf course. Some modifications will be necessary to the course, but it will remain in place … if the Council can find somebody willing to run it.
A Teignbridge Council spokesman said: “As part of the alterations, Teignbridge looked at what improvements could be made to the existing Mini Golf Course.
“Investigations were made and it was felt that there was an opportunity to invite Expressions of Interest to take on the running of the mini golf for a minimum term of five years so that it could be open all year round. Any improvements proposed could involve modernising the course and making it more of an attraction to the area.
“This will hopefully offer an exciting business opportunity for someone to invest in the town as we look to welcome visitors to Dawlish all year round.”
So if you are a minigolf fan with an entrepreneurial bent and/or deep pockets, here is your chance to run your own course – and one steeped in minigolf history.
Interested parties are to invited complete an Expressions of Interest form by 12pm on Friday, February 17.
Planning an event or wedding in 2017: Hire a minigolf course from Putterfingers for friendly service and a lot of putting fun!
www.putterfingers.co.uk
