A family who for the last 40 years brought millions of holidaymakers to Exmouth seafront for golf fun yesterday called time on the popular attraction.

Today, Maureen Wright, now in her 80s, who ran the attraction, faces watching her family dismantle the mini-golf course after losing a legal battle against East Devon District Council’s plans to redevelop the site.

Chris Wright, tenant of the neighbouring Exmouth Fun Park, plans to introduce crazy golf within the next few weeks; the fun park site has a 12-month stay of execution.

Mr Wright said his mother, Maureen, co-tenant with Mr Wright of the now-defunct mini-golf site, will help run the new attraction.

He said closing the mini-golf course, where Maureen worked daily, had ‘broken her heart’; he likened the closure to ‘bereavement’.

Mr Wright said: “She’s in her 80s so the seafront has been a huge part of her life. It’s a very upsetting time for her. We have been one of those things that’s been synonymous with Exmouth seafront.

He added: “Whoever thinks the attraction is outdated should ask the diverse mix of customers we have.

“The much publicised legal dispute was all about the family business having a future within any future changes to the seafront. Unfortunately, at great emotional and personal cost, this was not successful.”

Mr Wright said the business closed ‘on a high’ with its busiest Bank Holiday Monday ever and record visitor numbers this summer.

“We would like to thank all our customers many of whom have become regular visitors and friends over the years,” said Mr Wright.

“To Exmouth as a whole, thank you, it has been a privilege to have served so many lovely people and brought up my family on such a beautiful seafront. I will miss this more than you can imagine.

“To the many staff, both past and present, who have been cheerful and welcoming to our visitors and latterly supportive of our endeavours to have a future, we thank you.

“We have as a family, enjoyed working with you and sharing a part of your lives.”