Councillors agree to country park price freeze

Tourism officer Ainsley McWilliams attributed the recent decline in users of both the park and the golf course to poor weather conditions and the recession, and advised councillors to keep the majority of prices fixed for 2012.

The exception will be the caravan park, where prices will rise slightly to reflect ongoing price increases with utilities such as water, gas and electricity. However, the current pricing arrangements will be restructured to a three tier system to encourage more trade in off-season and mid-week periods.

The council also intends to remove the discount for golfers parking in Carnfunnock and instead offer a 25 per cent discount on all retail rates for purchasing a parking season pass.

At a recent Leisure Committee meeting, Councillor Martin Wilson told the tourism officer that he had been made aware of apparent lack of maintenance at the golf course, including grass being too long and grass cuttings not being removed.

He stressed that if the facility was to be marketed as a golf course, then it must be properly maintained to encourage use.