Changes planned at Felixstowe ferry

SHOUTS of "Fore!" could be heard less often at Felixstowe Ferry Golf Club.

Officials hope walkers strolling by the sea will no longer have to dodge stray balls if three holes are altered.

Changes at one of England's oldest golf courses have been considered for some time.

And officials at the course have now applied for planning permission to carry out the work.

Last year a solicitor, Michael Kent, of Cliff Road, Felixstowe, was struck in the face by a golf ball when he was walking his dog along the sea wall.

His glasses were smashed and his left eye was badly bruised.

Golf club manager Richard Tibbs said the club had been carrying out risk assessments and was "extremely concerned" about the possible danger for members of the public.

Mr Tibbs said the club had already decided to think about moving holes before the incident involving Mr Kent.

The main changes would be to the tees and green of the 15th hole. Other alterations could see the 14th green moved and a new tee for the 16th.

New bunkers and changes to some fairways are also proposed.

Mr Tibbs said: "This problem has come about in the last 10 to 15 years as Felixstowe has become more and more busy, and there are more people out walking.

"They have a right to enjoy the sea wall and lie on the beach and we are doing our level best so that they can do so.

"The proposed changes will increase the safety of the public walking by the golf course and enhance the golf course."

He stressed that the club had not received costings for the proposed project.

The club is waiting for tenders to be submitted and the general committee has not made a final decision on the scheme.

Mr Kent, 53, said he was considering a compensation offer from the club.

He said: "One of my worries was that they never took the safety aspect seriously.

"After I was hit I wrote to them to indicate that I expected to be told of the changes they were going to make and they sent a letter outlining changes to the 15th hole."