CAMPAIGNERS fighting to save an Oldbury golf course being turned into a housing estate will have to wait until next month to learn its fate.

The proposal sparked anger from protestors opposed to plans which could see up to 800 homes, surrounding park land and a school being built on the council owned Brandhall course, Oldbury.

The move has been bitterly opposed by objectors who say closer would force golfers to use private clubs which charge much higher membership and green fees.

Homeowners living beside the course also fear the plans will add to flooding which have seen nearby roads under water in the past.

A report was expected to be discussed next week following a six-week public consultation which asked golfers and local residents for the views. 

But the authority has said it wants to fully analyse the results before presenting its findings to councillors. 

The report is now expected to be presented to the next meeting of the Safer Neighbourhoods and Active Communities Scrutiny Board on February 27.

The board will then make a recommendation, which will go to a future cabinet meeting, which will make the final decision on its future.

It costs Sandwell Council £250,000 a year to run the course.

Almost two thirds of the club’s 318 members live outside the borough, with the authority spending £157,000 a year subsidising golf club members from other areas.

Cllr Maria Crompton, cabinet member for safer communities, has said the closure will save money and provide badly need homes.

She said: “The course itself is well-maintained and the staff do their very best with the facilities we have there.

“But the site needs major improvement work totalling around £3 million to bring it up to the required standard for the future.

“While no one likes to see facilities close, we have to consider how we invest in the long-term future of the local community, and that could include building much-needed housing, including social housing, creating a new school and a public park that would be open to everyone.”