High Barnet residents seek meeting after golf course vandalism

A group of High Barnet residents are seeking to meet with Tony Menai, director of The Shire London golf course, following recent damage to its greens. The incident involved four youngsters riding e-bikes and an e-scooter across the course, leaving deep cuts in the turf. Residents are concerned about preserving access to a perimeter path around the 220-acre site and want to collaborate with the club on preventing further anti-social behaviour.

The latest incursion saw the individuals, who were wearing balaclavas, speeding across the greens. Club staff attempted to intercept them but were unable to catch up due to the speed of the bikes, reported by Mr Menai to be in excess of 40mph. Later, the youngsters were photographed without their face coverings by a local resident walking her dog, who hopes the images may deter future incidents.

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Community initiative to curb vandalism

Chris Nightingale, a regular dog walker, is organising a community response to work with the golf club. He has been discussing potential solutions after the club previously dug eight-foot-deep trenches to block access for e-bikes. Mr Nightingale stated that neighbourhood police officers have been informed of the incident, and that photographs and witness accounts have been provided. He expressed concern about the potential for serious accidents if youngsters continue to ride on the course while being pursued by club vehicles.

The initiative aims to improve relations between the golf club and local walkers who use a permissive path. This path was agreed upon when the golf course received planning permission in the early 1990s. Mr Nightingale hopes a meeting with Mr Menai will foster a spirit of mutual assistance to resolve issues, recalling past difficulties with perimeter path blockages in the early 2000s.

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Ongoing issues at the golf club

Mr Menai described the damage as devastating and stated it is having a serious impact on the business. He also highlighted the club's legal responsibility to ensure the safety of members, staff, and visitors from dangerous situations created by individuals on illegal e-bikes. The club has faced persistent vandalism and anti-social behaviour over the years, including graffiti on greens, theft of course equipment, and issues with dogs attacking wildlife. The club previously placed a wooden pallet across a trench, which was then used as an access point for e-bike riders.

Local walkers have also raised complaints, claiming that fallen trees and trenches have been used to obstruct the perimeter path. Mr Menai questioned how the community can collectively protect the golf club, its wildlife, and prevent such abuses.