Seafront golf plan for Blackpool submitted

The site on Princes Parade, just north of the Metropole Hotel, was a key attraction in its heyday but has since fallen into disrepair.

Community leaders have now lodged a planning application for the work after revealing last year they wanted to refurbish the course as a social enterprise scheme to support homeless people in the resort.

The Blackpool and Fylde Street Angels and Blackpool Fulfilling Lives, which both help vulnerable people, are joining forces to run the project which it is hoped will be open in time for the summer season.

Work will include removing weeds, painting the 18-hole course in vibrant colours, restoring fencing and replacing benches.

The hut will also be refurbished while new huts will be added to store equipment and sell refreshments.

A statement submitted with the application says: "The aim is to start a social enterprise where the course can be run by Blackpool's street community under the supervision of Blackpool Street Angels.

"And to open the course to the public for the purpose of playing crazy golf, for which an admission fee will be charged."

Members of Blackpool Civic Trust are also set to help with the renovation of the course which closed in the 1980s, but reached its height of popularity during the 1950s and '60s.

Funding will come from sources including Fulfilling Lives which has worked with more than 500 people with multiple complex needs such as homelessness, drug use and re-offending issues, since it was set up in 2014.

Its annual budget of £1.5m has been fully funded by the Big Lottery Fund but funding ends in March 2021.

But legacy funding will go towards setting up the golf project to provide people with skills and employment.