THE cost of a round of golf for pensioners soared by more than 200 per cent when Burnley Council chiefs decided to extend concessions to men aged 60 to bring them into line with women who reach pension age first.

Council bosses made the swing to equal rights by reducing the subsidy from 72 per cent to just 35 per cent of the normal charge.

The move meant that the council would not lose out on overall income by extending the scheme.

It raised the cost of a concessionary round from £2.65p to £6.20.

And it brought a howl of protest from pensioners who had enjoyed the bigger subsidy in the past, councillors were told.

They were supported by MP Peter Pike, who took the matter up with Towneley golf course bosses.

Now the council's executive committee has decided to compromise by raising the concession for the over 60s on the 18-hole and nine-hole golf course and the pitch and putt course to 50 per cent.