TRANSPORT campaigners have protested over plans to close a major Wirral commuter line for up to 10 days during next year's Open golf championships.

The stretch of track between Hoylake and West Kirby will be shut to allow golfers to walk between the Royal Liverpool course and the practice course.

A temporary crossing installed by Merseytravel would be dismantled after the tournament next July.

The proposal has attracted criticism from rail groups who say there is no need to close the line for so long.

Brian Grey, from Wirral Transport Users' Association, said: "We are not at all happy about this. Both stations are used by hundreds of people every day who will have to make other arrangements.

"We do not see why it needs to close for 10 days when the tournament only lasts four or five. We are also concerned about the increased volume of traffic. The area will already be full of cars with people travelling to and from the tournament and the station out of action will make things worse.

"This may set a precedent for future events, leaving people in the area with no rail services."

Members of the West Wirral Area Forum have now asked Chief Executive of Merseytravel Neil Scales to come and explain what will be happening to residents.

A Merseytravel spokesman said the line closure was necessary to stage the event.

He said: "It was a condition of having the tournament here that access was provided for golfers. A shuttle bus service will be in operation."

West Kirby councillor Jeff Green said disruption would be kept to a minimum.

He said: "The players will be using the municipal golf course for practice and there needs to be some way for them to get across.

"We are putting a lot of effort into making this golf tournament a big success so that in the future we can attract it back."

Around 200,000 people are expected in West Kirby during the international tournament.

Wirral Council has put a transport plan in place to regulate parking and traffic throughout the event and work has now started on a £4.2m regeneration masterplan to spruce up the area in time for the championships. It includes improvements to roads, shopping areas and lighting.

A number of special features, have also been proposed including a giant illuminated golf ball that spurts out water as a possible feature on the roundabout outside the Royal Liverpool Golf Club.

kirstiadair@dailypost.co.uk