MP condemns £50m school plan at park

WALSALL SITE IS 'WRONG' AND THERE IS NO NEED FOR IT - VALERIE VAZ

- STAFF REPORTER

THE Department for Education has refused to answer questions about a controversial free school coming to Walsall.

The MP for Walsall and Bloxwich, Valerie Vaz, called on the Education Secretary to answer questions as she condemned the project.

The DfE approved the development of a proposed new secondary school in Walsall in 2017, and the Windsor Academy Trust has been chosen to deliver it.

Currently, Reedswood Park in Walsall is the preferred site for £50million investment, which is expected to provide over 1,000 secondary and sixth form places.

While no final decision has been made about using the former golf course, the choice has proven unpopular with the local MP.

Ms Vaz said accessibility is a major issue, and a review found nine other locations in Walsall that could be considered.

One of them is the former Sneyd Comprehensive School on Vernon Way, but the site has been earmarked for homes by Walsall Council.