Shire Golf Club Closes Footpath Access After E-bike Vandalism

Shire London Golf Club, located off St Albans Road in Golders Green, has closed several public access points to a footpath around its perimeter. This action follows damage to the turf on three of its greens, attributed to teenagers riding e-bikes. The closures include two entry points from the Byng Road playing fields, which were previously well-used by local residents.

Extent of Damage and Club Response

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Tony Menai, director of Shire London, stated that the damage is the most serious the club has experienced since its establishment in 1994. Eyewitness accounts reported three e-bikes, ridden by individuals aged sixteen and seventeen wearing balaclavas, speeding across the greens and deliberately creating deep tracks. The club has also reported that two eight-foot-deep trenches were dug across two of the closed access points, according to Geoff Arnett, a local resident and dog walker.

Mr. Menai explained that the police advised the club that securing all unofficial access points along St Albans Road and the boundary hedge with Byng Road playing fields was the only way to prevent e-bikes and other vehicles from entering the course. He added that while repairs are costly, the damage cannot be tolerated, as the quality of the greens is essential for the club's success. He noted that the club has been tolerant in the past, but the current level of vandalism threatens the business.

Resident Concerns and Alternative Access

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Geoff Arnett expressed shock at the closure of the access points, particularly the trenches dug across them. While acknowledging the challenge of malicious damage, he was disappointed by the lack of warning or consultation regarding the closures. He highlighted that the footpath offers a pleasant route towards Trotters Bottom and beyond, and that the closure deprives residents of convenient access from roads like Byng Road and Cavendish Road.

Mr. Arnett suggested that solutions such as kissing gates or stiles could allow pedestrian access while preventing vehicular entry. Chris Nightingale, another regular walker, stated his intention to investigate the matter further with Hertsmere Council and Hertfordshire County Council. He noted that a condition of the golf course's planning permission requires the owners to maintain a public path around the perimeter, and that residents have historically accessed this path from Byng Road playing fields.

Official Notification

In response to complaints about the blocked access points, The Barnet Society has notified Barnet Councillors, the Ramblers Association, and Hertfordshire County Council’s footpaths department. The golf course is situated within the Hertsmere borough, bordering Barnet.

What Happens Next

Walkers and dogs on leads are still permitted to use the perimeter path by entering through the main entrance on St Albans Road. The club has requested that dogs be kept on a lead. It is unclear if alternative pedestrian access points will be reinstated or if further consultations will take place regarding the blocked entrances from Byng Road playing fields.