WE WILL not be moved...

That's the stark and simple message from Lydney golfers. They are determined and intent to stay put at their home which flanks the town's bypass and they want Forest planners to back them.

Businessman Gordon Thomas is one of the leaders of the campaign to keep the famous little nine hole course open for all time.

"There is plenty of land for building round Lydney. It would be crazy to destroy a leisure facility which could not be replaced. It would go against any sensible planning regime so we have decided to put our foot down," said Mr Thomas.

The course is owned by motor parts giants Federal Mogul. It comes within the building development area, though a plan for homes so close to the factory could be scuppered on grounds of noise and health. There have already been complaints from people living in nearby Lakeside.

The club has a lease which runs out in 2004 but the band of 10 golfing enthusiasts who are determined to stay put say their first priority is to see in the club's centenary in 2009.

"It's that simple. The bottom line is that we want the golf course taken out of the Local Plan. It is an important leisure facility and could not be replaced. To do so would cost the sort of money a members' club could not even contemplate," he said.

The Lydney club has 350 members and the course - said to enjoy some of the best greens in the county - is used by up to 1,000 people a week.

The Save Our Course group is determined to stay put and are trying to persuade the owners not to sell for development. "We would like an extended lease or the opportunity to consider purchase. But we don't seem to being getting anywhere. We can't even get a reply from the company," said Mr Thomas.

If no progress can be made, the club will stay put until their lease expires and then go to law.

Meanwhile this Sunday marks the club's 90th anniversary. MP Diana Organ will be joining in the celebrations along with local council chiefs and business people.

"The club has always been a feature of the town and our plan is that it will continue to be so. It would be ideal if one day we could expand to have an 18 hole course," said Mr Thomas.