A group of politicians have lent their support to a historic Lewisham golf course which is set for closure - despite hosting 20,000 rounds a year.

The All Party Parliamentary Group for Golf will tee off on the 18-hole course in Beckenham Place Park later this month after expressing their concerns for its closure to Lewisham Council.

With the use of Heritage Lottery Funding, the £4.9 million revamp to the park includes scrapping the 36 hectare course to focus finances on the area’s listed buildings.

But the decision has driven a wedge between golfers and the council.

Campaign member Jenny Kay, who has been playing at Beckenham Place for 16 years, said the 100-year-old course is “part of peoples heritage”.

The 57-year-old told News Shopper: “We would like Lewisham Council to reverse their decision.

“We think it’s economically mad and socially crazy.”

News Shopper:

Lewisham's 18-hole course in Beckenham Place Park.

Ms Kay said the course attracts a range of different ages and skill levels, offering the opportunity for beginners to get involved.

She said many residents seem to be unaware of its planned closure, despite their SaveTheBeckenham18 campaign.

Campaigners contacted the parliamentary group – made up of 10 Lords, 34 MPs and associate members – which was created to support the sport.

She said: “They wrote to Lewisham expressing their dismay and have offered to come and play to raise the profile of the campaign.”

Lewisham Mayor Sir Steve Bullock replied to the group, saying there has been a “marked reduction” in the use of the course which has resulted in residents subsidising a facility for a “small group of users”.

He said: “We continue to develop plans to implement the changes which have already been agreed and see no reason to reconsider the decision.”

Beckenham Place golf course is home to around 125 members, as well as those who turn up and play.

News Shopper:

The latest campaign to save the golf course.

The council’s plans for the park focus on investing in the four listed buildings – the Grade II* mansion and Grade II listed homesteads and gatehouses which all need considerable work.

A spokeswoman for Lewisham Council said the borough’s largest green space is currently under-used by residents.

She said: “It has huge potential to be a thriving park, giving a taste of the country in an urban environment and offering a wider range of activities and facilities to a wider range of park users and visitors.

“Thanks to the £4.9 million support from the Heritage Lottery fund we have a fantastic opportunity to protect, restore and enhance historical elements of the park while introducing new features that will attract more people.

“Lewisham Council doesn’t have the power to arrest the national trend of declining usage of golf courses.

“And it certainly isn’t fair that local taxpayers continue to subsidise a dwindling number of local golfers who want to play here, especially when government cuts mean we have less to spend on their social care, street sweeping, libraries and other services.”