New golf range deal for Bishop Park

PUTT IT THERE: Mark Cumiskey of Pennine Golf and Councillor Shoab Akhtar at Bishop Park

BISHOP Park can look forward to a tee-rrific revamp - including a new driving range and cafe.

The 60-year-old facility at Grains Bar faced closure after Oldham Council struggled to find someone to take over the lease from Oldham Community Leisure in March.

But the course is now to reopen immediately as a pitch and putt venue.

Bids were sought for the nine-acre land and five offers were received.

Winner Pennine Golf has plans for a cafe and to upgrade a former cricket pitch as a new driving range

The lease will retain the right to use part of the existing car park for walkers and local visitors to Bishop Park, which is high above Oldham town cetre on the A672 Ripponden Road, where it joins the B1697 Grains Road.

Golfers will again be able to enjoy the nine-hole pitch and putt course, which in recent times has operated from April to October. The new tenant intends to open the course all year round.

Councillor Shoab Akhtar, cabinet member for business and town centres, said: “This is great news for the borough.

“We are delighted to grant the initial licence to the new tenant, who has previous experience in golf courses throughout the country.”

Mark Cumiskey, director of Pennine Golf Ltd, said: “Bishop Park is an eye-catching site with wonderful potential.”