WIRRAL Council has united with neighbouring West Cheshire to sell-off six municipal golf courses.

The move is designed to reduce spending by both local authorities while at the same time improving facilities through private sector investment.

Courses to be put out for tender on the peninsula are Arrowe Park, Brackenwood, Bebington and The Warrens at Wallasey.

Hoylake municipal has been excluded from the operation as the council believes a “local solution” might prove better value.

In West Cheshire, 18-hole courses at Hooton and Knights Grange in Northwich are on the list, along with a nine-hole course at Westminster Park in Chester.

The two authorities say the proposed sell-off will ensure improved facilities and the preservation of a “pay and play” policy for golfers who do not want to go to the expense of club fees.

Councillor Chris Meaden, Wirral’s cabinet member for leisure, sport and culture, said: "Inviting tenders is just the start of a long process and we will keep people informed as this progresses, including those who use the courses and our staff.

“Along with our colleagues in Cheshire West and Cheshire, we are keen to continue pay to play provision, and are confident this combined package across the two boroughs will attract customers and operators who will be able to put those courses on a sound and sustainable financial footing.”

The three West Cheshire course are currently operated by Brio Leisure and are subsidised to the tune of£246,000 annually.

Councillor Stuart Parker, Cheshire West and Chester council's executive member for culture and economy, said: “Many private sector courses are providing pay and play rates that compete with municipal courses.

“Consequently, the council and Brio have jointly agreed to look at the market to provide golf course operation, secure capital investment to improve the courses and reduce current subsidy.

“A combined package across the two boroughs would be an attractive offer to customers and operators.”

Wirral has been planning to create a world-class golfing resort at Hoylake to rival the best in the UK after Tiger Woods' Open Championship triumph at the Royal Liverpool links in 2006.

An unnamed high-profile figure has expressed strong interest in the venture and a major announcement was expected to coincide with the return of the Open this July, although due to “complex negotiations” nothing materialised.

The feasibility of the project became clear earlier this year when no fewer than 20 developers and investors expressed interest in joining forces with the council to develop the 285-acre site, featuring a "signature" golf course, five-star hotel and conference facilities.