A raft of security measures have been put in place to protect a country club that shut its doors last weekend.

Bushey Country Club and its golf club closed on April 1 after Hertsmere Borough Council took the decision, alongside Hertsmere Leisure Trust, to close it following a series of financial losses.

The council has however been able to keep the community centre at the club open for the time being.

But to protect the site, a number of bollards have been installed to stop encroachment.

A security guard will be on site 24 hours a day, while a grounds maintenance programme is under way to keep the site presentable.

Car parking charges are set to be introduced in May, with the first two hours of parking free.

Deputy leader of Hertsmere Borough Council, Cllr John Graham, who is responsible for finance, property and economic development, said: “Many local people care deeply about the future of the site, which is an important asset for the council.

"Whilst we work to draw up some viable and sustainable options for its longer term future, we’ve put in place a number of sensible measures to protect the site and keep the community centre operating.”

The council is currently consulting with a number of bodies on the future of the club but Hertsmere Borough Council leader Morris Bright has always said that “no decisions have been made on the future of the site, as of yet”.