Campaigners fighting to save Lewisham’s 100-year-old public golf course have called for its closure to be postponed in a bid to explore other options.

The 18-hole course in Beckenham Place Park is set to shut in just over a month, after Lewisham Council said the facility was not generating enough profit to continue.

The council’s decision sparked outrage among golfers and residents who say the historic course is part of the borough’s heritage.

Said to host 20,000 rounds of golf a year, the 38 hectare site is set to be scrapped as part of a £4.9million revamp to the park.

Beckenham resident Lee Witherell wrote to Lewisham Mayor Sir Steve Bullock in an attempt to delay the closure and urge the council to consider other commercially viable options.

He said: “I'm a local resident who uses Beckenham Place Park for golf, dog walking and generally to enjoy this beautiful piece of parkland.

“I'm shocked and saddened that Lewisham Council can consider closing this wonderful facility.

“I'm particularly disappointed that the Heritage Lottery Fund is funding the scheme to close the golf course.”

News Shopper:

Campaigners outside the mansion house at Beckenham Place Park.

The council’s scheme aims to focus finances on the park’s four listed buildings which all need considerable improvement work.

A trust set up by campaigners has nominated the park, golf course and mansion house to become assets of community value (ACV), as well as responding to the council’s call for ideas on the future of the listed buildings.

Mr Witherell has asked for a pause in the planned closure to give time for the ACV bid to be considered.

Under the current proposals the golf course – inner London’s last public facility - looks set to close on October 31.

Lewisham Council has not yet responded to News Shopper’s request for comment.