A golf course is set to reopen despite residents’ pleas to keep it shut during lockdown so they can continue to use it for daily exercise.

People living near Altrincham Golf Course, run and managed by Trafford Leisure, described the open space as a “godsend” during the COVID-19 outbreak and are worried they and their children will have nowhere else to go once the course reopens.

As playgrounds across Trafford remain shut, children have been using the course with their parents to learn to ride their bikes, play and run off any excess energy.

Others have been walking their dogs, taking daily strolls and getting much needed fresh air and exercise on the course while it was closed to golfers.

But residents are now very concerned by the move to shut the site to the public in favour of golfers once more.

Becca said on Twitter: “Can I ask that you consider not reopening Altrincham golf course to golfers, and continuing to let local people use it for recreation during lockdown?

“The playgrounds are still closed and children still desperately need open spaces to run in.”

Another Twitter user, Keiran, said: “Opening up the Altrincham golf course for the public to walk around has been an absolute godsend.

“No problem with keeping 2m apart. No needing to constantly cross roads to avoid people. Such an amazing wide open space.”

Another, GJD, asked Trafford Leisure: “Any chance of keeping Altrincham Golf course open to the public until the lockdown completely ends?

“I would say 1000s are using it for dog walks, family walks and bike rides and would be much more useful to the community than for golf at the moment.”

Trafford Leisure issued a statement online.

In it, Jo Cherrett, Trafford Leisure’s COO, said: “Trafford Leisure has been carefully considering the update provided by the Prime Minister and his Government’s plans to begin steps to ease lockdown, which includes measures to reopen golf clubs and courses.

“We welcome these guidelines and have been working with Trafford Council and UK Leisure governing bodies to review the advice and what it means for Altrincham Golf Course, our customers, our staff and our community.

“We are pleased to announce that Altrincham Golf Course will be reopening shortly. We want to make sure the course, and our team, is ready for socially distanced play and we will do all that we can to ensure you feel safe.

“Our local community has enjoyed using the golf course for physical activity during this closure and it is important that we consider this alongside our plans to re-open.

“We are communicating with our wider community to ensure the transition back to a space predominantly used for golf is harmonious.

“The interest from our members, golfers and other sports lovers in Trafford has been tremendous. We are excited to re-open our doors. We can’t wait to welcome you back and help you to enjoy your summer golf.”

It is understood that Altrincham Golf Club members will be the first allowed back on to the course, to test new socially distanced playing rules and booking systems.

The exact date when play will resume has not yet been announced by Trafford Leisure.

Altrincham Golf Club issued a statement on its website today expressing disappointment at the lack of information.

It said: “Unfortunately, we are still awaiting an announcement from Trafford Leisure as to when and how the course will be opened.

“This is disappointing to all members and visitors alike and we appreciate you understanding during this challenging time but we hope to be back on the course real soon.

“To those that are able to play other courses today, welcome back and play safe.”