A former Angus Council economic development chief instrumental in the success of the 2007 Open Championship at Carnoustie has stepped into the growing row over multi-million pound expansion plans for facilities at the world-famous links.
The thorny issue will come back onto the local authority agenda at a special meeting of the full council in Forfar after a move led by Carnoustie independent councillor Bill Bowles to suspend council standing orders and allow reconsideration of a decision taken last month which cleared the way for Carnoustie Golf Links Management Committee (CGLMC) to go ahead with £3million of loan funding for the £4.75m project.
Development of the extension, including new bar and restaurant facilities, has led to criticism that other town businesses will he detrimentally affected, and now former CGLMC director David Valentine has condemned the proposal as “fundamentally flawed”.
The links management has hit back, saying vision and not delay is required to keep Carnoustie an Open venue success.
After 30 years as Angus Council’s economic development boss and having also served as chair of the Business Gateway Scotland Boars and the public sector team responsible for staging the Open in 2007 and other major competitions on the Carnoustie championship course, Mr Valentine subsequently took over ownership of the famous Simpson’s shop near the legendary links-the world’s second oldest golf shop and one of the most recognisable premises in the town.
He has now written to Angus Council chief executive Richard Stiff to raise “serious concerns” over the golf centre extension plan, claiming the development will lead to a deterioration in the fabric of the town centre and threaten town businesses and jobs.
“I had made up my mind to remain silent on the subject but I have been outraged at some of the false assertions made in favour of the proposals,” said Mr Valentine, who is currently in China promoting the Simpson’s brand and Angus golf.
He is backing the bid launched by Mr Bowles and signed by several opposition councillors to reconsider the loan plan green-light after the Carnoustie member labelled the business case for the project as lacking in transparency”.
Mr Valentine added: “It’s my view that the council should utilise it hereditary rights as landlord and custodian of the golf courses to refuse the request so as to engage more deeply with the CGLMC and the town and trade of Carnoustie.
“Hopefully this will allow the community to move forward in a way that does not put the Links’ finances at risk, that ensures the best way forward in attracting the Open and which will ultimately ensure that any investment optimises benefits for local golfers, residents and businesses alike rather than creating a monopoly for the CGLMC Ltd.
CGLMC responded: “Carnoustie Golf Links Management Committee has produced a full business justification case for this development, prepared by independent experts, which includes Henderson Loggie Accountants and CDLH Leisure and Hospitality Surveyors.
“The extension as well as bar and restaurant facilities, also provides improved offices for Carnoustie Golf Links and improved facilities for golfers to practice with the provision of a number of golf simulator bays.
“It is not true that the timing of the investment is premature and misguided. Anyone who thinks that we do not need to invest in our facilities to retain our place as an Open Championship venue should visit Portrush, Turnberry, Birkdale or Troon to see the massive investment taking place at these venues.
“Without the Open, we lose visitors, in turn we lose income.
“This will all be to the detriment to businesses in the town. Carnoustie Golf Links is confident this development will encourage visitors and spending in the local area in the long term.
“In our view, vision and forward thinking is what is required at this time, rather than prudence and delay.”