Walsall Residents Voice Outrage Over Proposed School Development
Three sisters residing on a Walsall street have launched a passionate protest against plans to construct a new 1,000-space school at Reedswood Park, accusing decision-makers of ignoring local concerns and environmental consequences. Julie Petty, Jayne Cooney, both aged 65, and Ann Ryder, 62, claim that the Department for Education (DfE) and Walsall Council have shown complete disregard for residents by pushing forward with the controversial project.
Environmental and Access Concerns Dominate Opposition
The Department for Education selected 13.7 acres of woodland at Reedswood Park as the preferred location for a new £50 million free school back in 2017. This decision has sparked significant backlash from local MPs, residents, and planning consultants who highlight the potential environmental damage and problematic access routes. The sisters, who live adjacent to the proposed site, report receiving no official communication about the major development.
Julie Petty stated emphatically: "We've had no letters to indicate they're considering this project. No notifications about building the school. It's easy for them sitting in offices, but what about residents who pay rates and must endure the consequences? The junction simply cannot handle the traffic—it's horrendous. They need to reconsider this entire plan."
The primary concern revolves around the proposed access route via Reedswood Lane, which residents describe as dangerously inadequate. Ann Ryder added: "Someone is going to get killed. How will construction lorries even access the site? They cannot use Reedswood Lane—it's impossible. In the 1960s, a child was killed by a lorry heading to the power station on this very road."
Alternative Site Suggestions Ignored
Many opponents of the Reedswood Park plan have suggested utilizing the vacant Sneyd Comprehensive School on Vernon Way as a more sensible alternative. This existing facility would cause less environmental disruption and represent better use of taxpayer money according to critics.
Ann Ryder questioned: "Why not use Sneyd? It has parking, space, no congestion issues, and the building already exists—they could renovate it. What could be better than that site? Walsall Council doesn't care about ordinary people—they only care about themselves. They talk about green belt land and nature preservation. What about the foxes and rabbits at Reedswood? When you're older, you appreciate breathing fresh air in such spaces."
Julie Petty reinforced this sentiment: "It's green belt land they're destroying. They're taking away a park meant for everyone in Walsall to enjoy. They haven't even considered Reedswood Lane residents—they've just proceeded without fairness."
Safety and Community Impact Worries
The sisters also expressed serious safety concerns about the area, questioning its suitability for schoolchildren. They referenced a violent disorder incident on Reedswood Lane in July 2024 that left four people seriously injured, and Ann reported recently finding a machete hidden in her front garden privet.
Ann Ryder elaborated: "This area isn't safe. Drug dealing happens morning, noon, and night. What will it be like with children walking down the street? Police are here constantly—we even had a drive-by shooting at the top of the street. It was awful. Would you want your kids coming down this road? I've lived here my entire life. I'm too old to move, but I wouldn't want my children living here."
Interestingly, the sisters indicated they would prefer the 94 homes proposed for the same site in Walsall Council's draft local plan over the school development.
Authorities Respond to Growing Criticism
Following contact from local democracy reporters about resident concerns, the Department for Education announced it will host a drop-in event later this month. A DfE spokesperson stated: "We are proceeding with free school projects that meet community needs and raise standards across local areas. Parents, local authorities, and residents will be invited to participate in consultation to learn about plans and share views."
Councillor Mark Statham, portfolio holder for children's, families and lifelong learning at Walsall Council, defended the project: "A new school providing education for over 1,000 local young people is incredibly positive for our borough. We're proud Walsall is one of just sixteen areas in England selected for significant government investment. The school will be developed on the former Reedswood golf course site, which is council-owned land adjacent to Reedswood Park."
He continued: "Funding was confirmed in December 2025, so the program remains in early stages. Resident and community views will be essential in shaping the school's development, with the first engagement opportunities this month. The council has a legal duty to ensure every Walsall child has access to a school place, and this investment strengthens our ability to meet that need while providing high-quality education regardless of background or ability. A new school becomes an important community pillar."
Despite these assurances, the sisters remain unconvinced. Julie Petty has called for the Education Secretary to visit personally: "We want the Education Secretary to come from London, assess our street for a day, and speak with us face-to-face. Let her see if she would want this near her home. The process has mostly advanced without resident input—it's disgusting. We're ordinary people, and they don't care about us. They have our money and do as they please."
