CRAZY golf in Andover is getting a shake-up as plans to reinvent the town’s adventure course have been approved.

Proposals were submitted to Test Valley Council back in May which detailed plans to replace the existing course at the Charlton Leisure Park with a new, Iron Age-themed adventure golf facility, paying homage to the history of the local area.

The old course, described as “tired” and “dilapidated”, will now be completely demolished to make way for a new one touted to be “rich in both fun and educational elements”.

During the application process the plans were praised by some at the council, thoughts that were echoed after it was approved.

Leader of the council, Phil North, said: “This is really great news. The existing course is in a pretty sorry state, so I’m really pleased that we’ve got a fantastic new facility to look forward to. And particularly one that pays tribute to the area’s history. 

“It's in an excellent location with a range of pedestrian and cycle routes nearby and we hope that providing a vastly enhanced course will prove popular with both local communities and customers from further afield.

“Adventure golf is a brilliant way for the entire family to have fun and enjoy some fresh air and I hope it will prove to be a well-loved attraction.”

Staffing levels of the new facility will remain the same, and the site will be open from 9am until 7pm during the summer holidays, with reduced hours during the rest of the year.

Those hours will be reviewed after the first six months and adjusted to meet demand if required. No new parking facilities will be built as the existing site does not have any dedicated parking.