A NEW mini-golf course could be open by the summer.

Putt in the Park, which already has branches in Wandsworth, Battersea and Acton, is planning its first course outside London on the old bowling green, near Duncan’s Gate in Colchester Castle Park.

Business boss Justin Fish has promised a unique course with its own identity and hopes the facility will be open to the public in time for the busy summer season.

He said: “This has been three years in the making, with the planning and historic monument consent applied for, it is now becoming a reality.

“If all goes to plan we hope to start construction in February with a May opening.

“This will be their first course outside London and each course has its own identity with a special emphasis on quality of design and materials used.

“The aim is to have a course for all ages and abilities which players will return to time and again and see something different on each occasion, but always to have fun.”

Once work is complete, six part-time and full-time jobs will be created at the 15-hole course.

Mr Fish added: “The existing building is to be demolished and replaced with timber framed and clad pavilion with a large terrace which will become a café.”