WEST Dunbartonshire’s only public golf course will not be closed or downsized, it has been confirmed.

The decision was announced at West Dunbartonshire Council’s (WDC) budget meeting this evening.

Proposals to downsize Dalmuir Municipal Golf Course from 18 holes to 12 or to shut it permanently were presented to councillors.

Councillor Martin Rooney, leader of the council, confirmed the proposals had been rejected.

These proposals were included in a list of more than 50 money-saving options being considered by the council in an effort to plug its £8.3m budget gap.

Closure of the golf course would have meant there were no publicly accessible golf facilities within the region.

Prior to the meeting, which is currently being held at WDC’s headquarters on Church Street in Dumbarton, golfers at Overtoun Golf Club launched a petition to save the landmark course.

It has since received more than 7500 signatures and backing from famous sporting figures including Bankie footballing sensation John McGinn, award-winning caddy Craig Connelly, and Spanish professional golfer Sergio Garcia.