School may take park

Around two-thirds of George Rose Park will be lost under the redevelopment of the school building and the creation of new sports field facilities.

Currently called Darlaston Community Science College, it can only provide a third of the land required for the new academy off Herberts Park Road.

The plans could be given the green light by Walsall Council as early as next month as the sponsor wants confirmation of the land ahead of a funding agreement.

The school is due to become the third Grace Academy in the region from the new September school year, and will be run by millionaire and Evangelical Christian Bob Edmiston. It was met with anger from parents, who were desperate to see the academy plans stopped, fearing too much time could be spent teaching pupils about Creation theories.

In a report Kevin Kendall, head of property services, says: "Due to the current school not having sufficient playing fields, the council would undertake to provide sufficient, secure and manageable sports field facilities.

"The current school lies adjacent to George Rose Park, which is the council's ownership, and it is proposed that the school site is extended into the park."

He adds: "It is recognised that George Rose Park is one of the few open spaces in this part of the borough and there will be discussions on how the playing fields can be used by the public."

Darlaston councillor Paul Bott said the park was run-down but there was a need to keep an open space.