Political groups in Walsall have publicly declared their positions on the contentious £50 million free school project planned for Reedswood Park. The Department for Education (DfE) is spearheading the development, which involves constructing a three-storey building to accommodate over 1,000 students aged 11 to 18.
Residents Raise Concerns
Local residents have voiced significant opposition to the scheme, which requires clearing 13.7 acres of woodland in the park. Access to the school would be via Reedswood Lane, an already congested road. Many question why vacant school sites in the borough have not been repurposed or existing schools expanded instead. The Labour government's £50 million investment is reportedly only available for building a new school, though the DfE has not confirmed this reasoning. When asked by the Local Democracy Reporting Service whether alternative sites would be considered if consultation results show widespread opposition, the DfE declined to comment.
Political Group Statements
Advance UK
Advance UK stated that decisions must be based on access, infrastructure, and community impact, with full transparency and meaningful consultation.
Conservatives
The Conservatives noted that the site was identified by the DfE as their preferred location and is inextricably linked to the £50 million funding.
Green Party
The Green Party expressed concern over the lack of clear engagement and planning. They argued there is little evidence of genuine need to use this site, especially when other old school sites are available. They criticised opaque council decisions imposed on the community without input.
Labour
Labour emphasised that decisions must be guided by the needs of local families, ensuring the right provision in the right place with proper consideration of community impact.
Liberal Democrats
The Liberal Democrats stated that the location should be decided on local planning reasons, while bearing in mind the effect on nearby schools.
Reform UK
Reform UK opposed building a school on Reedswood Park, asserting the park is for residents of Beechdale and Reedswood. They cited statistics showing a surplus of school places in Walsall and suggested provision might be offered to other authorities. They called for repurposing existing schools like Sneyd School, arguing it would be cheaper and more environmentally friendly. They questioned why the Conservative administration did not pursue Sneyd School and highlighted that the Labour government, opposed to free schools, approved this project.
Walsall Community Independents
Walsall Community Independents strongly opposed the development, accusing the Windsor Trust of taking residents for fools. They claimed children would be bussed in from other schools, bringing pain without gain. They condemned the destruction of woodland and green space, which exacerbates inequality in green space availability. They also warned of traffic congestion creating health hazards and safety issues. They called on the Labour government to change its position, accusing it of betraying Walsall residents. They suggested expanding or reopening schools like Sneyd, Manor Farm, or Pelsall instead.
