The future of Brandhall golf course in Oldbury has yet to be decided, a senior councillor has said, despite Sandwell cabinet backing a recommendation for closure.

Cllr Marie Crompton says a final decision on the fate of the 116 year-old club  will only be finally determined after a public consultation is completed.

Her statement comes after members of the golf club said they feared the council is planning to sell the land for homes.

Cllr Crompton said: “This will be a six-week consultation for people, including members of the golf club, to give their views before a final decision is taken on the future of the course and club house.”

She added:  “We understand some club members are disappointed at our proposal to close the course and they will have six weeks of formal consultation to present their views to us.

“We are keen to hear everyone’s views and, following the consultation, a further report will be submitted to Cabinet early next year for consideration.”

The assurance came after the cabinet backed a recommendation that the course be closed and local residents be asked their views on whether the land should be converted into a park or used to build housing or a new school.

Councillors were told a report by consultants said there was an over-provision of golf facilities in the borough coupled with a falling demand for the sport.

Sandwell Leisure Trust says the course costs £257,000 a year to run and nearly two thirds of the club’s 318 members live outside Sandwell.

Members of the club also complained they were only given ten days notice of the council’s plans before the cabinet’s decision.