Good news for Shanklin and Sandham, but not for Appley Park pitch and putt which will remain closed. This in from the council, in their own words. Ed
A Shanklin businessman is working with Isle of Wight Council to take on the running of a popular attraction in the seaside town.
Dean Hyatt, who runs Shanklin Arcade on the seafront, has already started to run the popular Esplanade crazy golf and putting attraction
The move follows an announcement in late 2010 by IW Council that the local authority was looking for organisations to come in and run its seasonal attractions at no cost to the council as part of its plans to save money whilst improving services.
The council hopes to make an announcement about Sandham Gardens in Sandown in the near future, while Sandown Zoo was last week revealed as the firm that will run Browns Pitch and Putt on the Esplanade in Sandown.
Appley Park Pitch and Putt will remain closed
Meanwhile, Appley Park will continue to be maintained by IW Council throughout the summer, although the local authority will not be opening the pitch and putt at the park.
George Brown, IW Council Cabinet member responsible for leisure said “I am pleased the local authority has reached an agreement with two local businesses to take on the running of popular tourist attractions in both Sandown and Shanklin.
“Not only is this good for the council as it saves the local authority money, but the businesses are able to expand their services and it also creates further employment for the summer months.
“We had hoped to reach an agreement about the running of the pitch and putt at Appley Park, but unfortunately two interested parties decided not to pursue their interest and I hope that we will shortly conclude negotiations for Sandham Gardens that will bring further community benefit.
It had been hoped to agree similar arrangements for the pitch and putt at Appley Park, but potentially interested parties decided not to pursue the matter.”
