A BUCKET of balls was delivered to a council by golfers to show their concern over a park's future.

Members of Braeside Golf Club also delivered a petition to Lewisham Council containing more than 4,000 signatures against proposals to reduce the Beckenham Place Park golf course, Beckenham, from 18 holes to nine.

The protest, on September 19, came a week before councillors launched a three-week public survey on use of the park's buildings, the golf course, and whether it should sell or lease the park's Grade II-listed Mansion House, .

It claims reducing the golf course will provide a better balance between golfers and other residents.

Protestor David Hansom, of Bishops Thorpe Road, Sydenham, is chairman of the Friends of Beckenham Place Park and secretary of Braeside Golf Club, based at the site.

Mr Hansom, who also wants the mansion to be taken over by a charity, said: "I hope people will back us.

"The preferred option is just for them to withdraw these silly proposals because with every day which passes they're wasting more money."

The former marker researcher , who wants Bromley residents to take part in the consultation, is also concerned the questionnaire gives a misleading impression of the park's features.

But ward councillor Cllr Mark Morris, said: "Beckenham Place Park is by far the biggest open space in Lewisham. It is a wonderful park, but it could be made even better and certainly enjoyed by far more people."

He added: "There's a case for the golf course being reduced. I just think more people will use the park for other facilities. There are other places to play golf quite frankly."

Consultation questionnaires are available for park visitors at libraries and online at lewisham.gov.uk The findings of the consultation will be published in November and a decision made in December.