There were fears today that Worthing council officials were plotting to sell off a golf course.

Town hall sources believe the borough council wants to sell Hill Barn Golf Course on the southern slope of the Downs.

Golfers were furious at the state of the course this year, claiming it had not been properly maintained by the council's contractors.

This week councillors were reviewing charges at local authority leisure complexes.

But proposed increases for annual season tickets and rounds at Hill Barn have been deleted from the agenda and will be discussed in private.

This has fuelled rumours that the council is looking for a private company to take over the course.

Golfer Kevin Davey, a member of the Hill Barn committee, said: "I have heard rumours that they are talking about a sell-off, although I haven't got concrete proof."

But a leading councillor, who asked not to be named, confirmed secret talks were taking place over the possible sale of Hill Barn.

The package might also include the Aquarena and the leisure centre, both of which in the past have been propped up financially by profits from the golf course.

The poor condition of the course following last autumn's exceptionally wet weather resulted in a major drop in income.

Mr Davey, of Victoria Road, Worthing, said the course used to make a profit of about £100,000 per year.

"It would be better if the course stayed in municipal hands," he said.

Councillor Maurice Tucker, leisure spokesman for the Liberal Democrat opposition, said the future of Hill Barn should be discussed in public.

Leisure officer John Thorpe defended the decision on secret talks, saying: "For contractual issues it has to be confidential."

He said the new range of charges to play at Hill Barn would be revealed on Friday after a meeting of the executive.