English Conservative MP insists constituents be allowed to use golf course in Wales

An English Conservative MP has blasted the Welsh Government as “ludicrous” and insisted that his constituents be allowed to use a golf club in Wales.

Llanymynech Golf Club has 15 holes in Wales and three in England, but its English membership has been told by Powys Council that they cannot play there because they are not allowed to cross the border.

The Welsh Government have said that the UK Government’s own rules in England do not allow cross border travel for non-essential reasons until 12 April.

They however added in a statement that from their perspective: “It would be reasonable for members of Llanymynech golf club to enter or leave Wales within the confines of the golf course.”

But North Shropshire Conservative MP Owen Paterson pinned the blame entirely on the Welsh Government, calling them “ludicrous”.

“They say Shropshire people can’t attend cross-border Llanmynech Golf Club, yet people in Wales can cross to the club’s entrance in Shropshire!” he said.

“My constituents should be free to enjoy safe exercise and fresh air today.”

‘Live closer’

Club chairman Stuart Jones had earlier told the Border Counties Advertiser it is “ridiculous” that those in England, who make up two-thirds of members, will not be allowed to play at the course.

He said: “The course is landlocked by England as it cannot be accessed directly from any Welsh road – our Welsh members have to drive from Wales into England and then back over the border onto the golf club land back into Wales.

“So we have the ridiculous situation on Monday of all golf courses in England and Wales open but English members of Llanymynech GC unable to play on their own local course that they live closer to than the Welsh members.”