Town and county councillor Alan Jewell and his wife Vanessa have bought Falmouth Pitch and Putt and have vowed to protect the site from potential property developers for the foreseeable future.

Mr and Mrs Jewell, who already own and run the chalet and camping park at Pennance Mill Farm which backs onto the pitch and putt site, have had their eyes on the business for several years. "It makes sense for us to incorporate it with our holiday park and it will enable us to offer restaurant facilities," said Mr Jewell.

"We wanted it years ago, but developers came in and that put paid to that for a while, but we have it now and we plan to keep it as it is."

It was in 2009 that Magily Ltd submitted plans to build 107 homes on the site off Swanpool Road, which sits in an area of outstanding natural beauty. The proposals were refused by Carrick District Council, an appeal was lodged by Magily, but was subsequently withdrawn.

The Jewells, who have recruited daughters Katie, 19, and Lucy, 16, to help run the pitch and putt over the summer, are hoping to expand the business. As well as creating a fully-fledged restaurant, they are planning to offer golfing lessons for beginners.