Rochester and Strood MP Kelly Tolhurst has criticised a controversial decision to close a golf club.

Members of Medway Council's Cabinet tonight voted in favour of shutting Deangate Ridge Golf Course in Hoo, despite an online petition that gathered nearly 3,000 signatures.

Around 150 protesters had gathered outside Medway Council's offices ahead of the meeting to show the strength of feeling in the community against the proposed closure.

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But all but one of the Conservative councillors voted for the the sports venue to be shut and it will now cease to exist on March 31.

There was an angry backlash from members of the public attending what proved to be a stormy meeting, with some councillors being heckled.

MP Kelly Tolhurst also tweeted her disapproval, describing it as "short sighted".

She added on her Twitter feed: "I am taking advice on what can now be done - I am gutted, disappointed and very angry."