CONTROVERSIAL neg-otiations to enable Test Valley Borough Council to buy the prestigious Hampshire Golf Course on the outskirts of Goodworth Clatford have ended because a price could not be agreed for the recently developed 18 hole course.

Chief executive of the authority Alan Jones admitted he was disappointed at the outcome.

"The negotiations were halted because of an inability to agree on a price," he said but added that the council was still keen to acquire the modern, 18 hole facility. "We are still interested in talking," he said.

Estates officer Don Whiteley said an offer was made to course owner Tim Fiduccia but he had felt unable to accept the figure and negotiations had ended.

"We would be pleased to re-open them if Mr Fiduccia wishes to do so," he added.

The proposed course purchase had caused controversy, especially between members of the long-established Andover Golf Club sited about a mile away. They are loathe to leave their nine hole course which has been established nearly 100 years.

Test Valley planners are proposing the course should be used for housing development which has caused a protest among Winchester Road residents who overlook the course.

Tim Fiduccia said he was disappointed the deal had not yet been completed.