Concern over anti-vandal measures

The fairways have been damaged by people riding bikes on them

Residents living near a golf course plagued by vandals say they are concerned measures to stop anti-social behaviour will ruin the surroundings.

The greens and fairways at Bulwell Golf Course in Nottingham have been repeatedly damaged by off-road bikers.

The city council has approved plans to build embankments around the course to stop bikers gaining access.

But Trevor Rose, who has lived near the course for more than 60 years, said he was worried about noise from builders.

"A lot of people use the park [and course] to get away from modern-day pressures...but the embankments will block the panoramic view," said Mr Rose.

'Temptation'

The embankments will be built around the course and will be up to 10ft (3m) tall in places.

Mr Rose said: "We can see that a 10ft high embankment is a temptation to youngsters on a motorbike."

But Ron Maiden, managing director of the Jack Barker Group who is carrying out the work, said the structures discouraged people from coming onto the site in cars or bikes.

He added that construction lorries would not be a problem: "They will travel at very low speeds - three to four miles-per-hour - and the noise is minimal."

In a statement, Nottingham City Council said the plans were put out for consultation before permission was given and it "was felt the proposals would blend in with the golf course surroundings".

Work is due to start next week.