Bruce George MP has congratulated Park Hall Residents who attended a special meeting at Park Hall Junior School on Monday 12th 2008 to discuss the future of the former Three Crowns Special School site for the stance they have taken.

The meeting were informed by an Officer form Walsall Council that an application to the Department for Children, Schools and Families has still to be made as the Council has yet to make a final decision on how it intends to spend any capital receipts generated by the disposal of the playing field elements of the school site.

Furthermore, the Council has yet to make a final decision on the type of development they propose for the site.

There were strongly held views expressed by those in attendance that the Council should make this very important decision quickly. This will indicate to residents living in the vicinity of the site how this would affect them and, indeed, signal the Council’s position on the issue of the Green Belt.

There were many who stated that as the site has a green belt status then perhaps the Council should set an example and let it remain as such. They should also take into consideration the wildlife that exists although an assurance was given that the woodland would be retained.

A non-State school in the area is keen to enter into negotiations with the Council so that the site could, once again, he utilised as an education establishment.

Bruce George said “Clearly there is a strong swell of opinion, which I share, that this site which is on th Green Belt should be protected. I fear that developers may have already made their interests known to both Officers and possibly some members of the council. Clearly the Cabinet now need to make th key decision as to the type of development they propose for the site.

The issue of the Daisy Bank annexe was also raised and I have already written to the Chief Executive of Walsall Primary Care Trust to ascertain what is planned for this site following closure. I am awaiting his response. I will be watching the process very carefully to ensure the high ethical standards required under planning regulations are strictly adhered to.”