Flying golf balls could soon be a thing of the past for residents living near a north Belfast course.

A decision to give the green light for the erection of fencing to improve the safety of residents in the Rogan Wood area near the City of Belfast Golf Club could come later this year following a meeting of Belfast City Council officials.

Speaking after the meeting, Newtownabbey's senior planner and Alderman Nigel Hamilton, explained: “I am delighted with this result. Not only will the residents feel safer at the rear of their properties following months of smashed windows and balls careening off their properties, but the Golf Club and council officials will breathe a sigh of relief to see this saga ended so successfully,” he said.

Mr Hamilton said the bill for the damage has come to thousands of pounds and to find a long term solution was the only way to go. He added: “It has taken over two years of persistence and discussion on my part to secure this sensible decision and I applaud the accommodation given by planning who are now committed to approve the application of netted fencing to be erected.

“It is also good to see the golf club get a chance to move on from this and other difficulties they have had in recent months with damage to the course.

A Belfast City Council spokeswoman said: “Pending a review of the initial decision by the Planning Service not to provide planning approval for the erection of a fence at the City of Belfast Golf Club, the matter will be presented to Belfast City Council’s Parks and Leisure Committee later in the year for further consideration.”