A former council-owned mini golf course in Birstall which closed amid a storm of protest is set to be turned into a public park.

More than 500 people signed a petition to keep open the site in Raikes Lane but Kirklees Council said it could not afford to do this and shut it two years ago.

But now the council's leisure chiefs have drawn up a plan to transform the land with picnic areas, seats, a kickabout area for football, better entrances and an information board about the wildlife there.

They also suggest increasing the number of hedgerows, wildflowers, grassed and woodland areas to make it more attractive. The council's cultural and leisure services committee is being asked to approve the plans on Monday.

Pupils at St Peter's Junior and Infants School in Birstall have already asked to help by mapping the types of trees, shrubs, flowers and birds at the site.

Headteacher Susan Muscroft said the youngsters would also help to plant seeds and seedlings to attract butterflies and help the trees to flourish.

She said: "This is an important resource to have so close to the school.

"It will help children to better understand and care for the environment.

"The work on this site will enable us to support our school curriculum in science and extend the work we already do in our school grounds.''

Councillor Mike Williams (Lab, Birstall and Birkenshaw) who spearheaded the campaign to save the golf course, said:

"The residents have always wanted the site to remain green space and there was talk of putting houses there which is something they certainly don't want.

"But the plan to turn the area into park will keep it open space and benefit the community at the same time.''

David Harrison, chairman of Birstall Community Improve-ment, said: "We would have preferred the golf course to stay but a park is better than losing the site to housing or industry.

"My only concern is that providing the football area might attract vandalism to what is a nice, quiet residential area.''

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