FURIOUS golfers were disappointed to learn that the town’s only dedicated driving range had closed.

Leaderboard’s contract with Reading Borough Council was not renewed last year and they decided to replace the course with an outdoor activities centre, which is due to open later this year.

Rivermead’s driving range inspired hundreds of young people to get into golf for 17 years before closing its doors for the final time on February 15.

A couple, who previously took their grandchildren to the driving range on Richfield Avenue, described the decision not to renew the contract as a ‘major blow’ to getting young people involved in the sport.

Tim Keates said: "We are absolutely furious that the only public facility within miles has been closed.

"We used to go there often and take our grandchildren with us and now there is nowhere to go. Surely there is a need for public rather than private facilities in the greater Reading area.

Reading Chronicle:

“We are in our seventies, but we are fairly passionate about getting young people into playing golf, so anything that makes that more difficult is a major blow to that ambition.

"Whilst I am sure the local golf clubs encourage juniors, it often seems daunting to joe public initially to go to a private club."

The site will be transformed into an outdoor facility, with a high ropes adventure zone, archery and mini golf.

It will be open to the public throughout the year and will also be available to schools and nurseries, with an outdoor classroom and other education facilities from Autumn 2017.

A spokesman for Reading Borough Council added: "The lease was renegotiated in early 2016, but at a time of unprecedented financial pressures the council does not believe the revised terms represent the best return for the site, or maximises its benefit to the wider community.

"We are firmly of the belief that these plans provide the best value for money by maximising the use of what is a prime riverside location, while at the same time offering a fantastic new facility for children and young people in Reading right on their own doorstep.”