MEMBERS of a Kidderminster golf club have been left devastated after it was placed into liquidation this week.

Administrators Hazlewoods LLP have been called in to Burlish Park Golf Club, which is based on Zortech Avenue, as a result of financial woes suffered by the company.

Management at the club addressed club members of the developments at Burlish Park with a statement on its social media site.

They cited the death of a director and a continuing legal battle with waste contractors having an adverse effect on golf club operations which, in turn, resulted in a drop in membership numbers, as driving factors for the decision.

It said: “It is with great sadness that we inform you all of the recent developments at Burlish Park Golf Club.

“After many months of uncertainty, following the passing of one of our Directors and the continuing legal battle with our waste contractors, the decision has been made to liquidate the company, Burlish Park Golf Centres Ltd.

“Membership numbers have been greatly affected as have our visitor green fees. This has left the company financially distressed.

“After long deliberations it has been decided that the financial strains are too great with little sign of improvement in the near or mid-term future.

“As of Monday (February 6), all assets are to be transferred to Hazelwoods LLP who will sell items in order to settle any outstanding accounts and the remaining property will revert back to the land owners, Wyre Forest District Council.

“We would like to take the opportunity to thank our members that have remained loyal to Burlish Golf Centres Ltd.”

The news on the club’s Facebook page has been greeted with shock and sadness by members and the wider community.

Former club captain Andy Simmonds said: “Funding issues have caused the business to fail. It’s such a very sad situation and a very sad state of affairs to see such a great club go down the pan like it has.

“It is one of the best and friendliest clubs in Worcestershire and it will be sorely missed.”

One member, who did not wish to be named, told the Shuttle: “I have been using Burlish Park Golf Club for 22 years so this is a shame. My membership was due for renewal in May.

“I think the management had the best intentions and had planned to make modifications to the greens that were badly needed.

“But these plans had been talked about for some time and people seemed to lose patience. Membership has been falling for the past two years.”

No-one from Hazlewoods LLP was available for comment when contacted by The Shuttle.

Councillor Marcus Hart, Leader of the Council, said: “We are aware that BP Golf Centres Ltd has ceased trading and has been placed in the hands of Hazelwoods LLP and we are awaiting confirmation from Hazelwoods on the future of the golf club.”