Bruce George MP is calling on members of Walsall Council’s Development Control Committee to throw out the proposal to get rid of most of George Rose Park in Herberts Park Road, Darlaston to make way for the proposed new build for the Grace Academy, Darlaston.

Bruce George said:

“This is the only major public open space in this locality and to take it away from the local community is an absolute disgrace. Young people in the immediate vicinity of George Rose Park complain about the lack of facilities in the area for them to use. Getting rid of most of this open space is a recipe for more anti-social behaviour and general nuisance to local residents ny young people roaming the streets.

I hote also that the Environment Agency has concerns about the lack of a Flood Risk Assessment. These concerns should not ne ignored.

I urge the elected members of Walsall Council’s Development Control Committee to reject the recommendation to grant permission to the change of use. This public open space is a facility that belongs, in my view, to the local community and Walsall Council has no right to dispose of it in this way. I am sure there are other sites that could be considered. Indeed Walsall Council should be encouraging more use of our open spaces and not getting rid of them.”