Labour vow to build Walsall community centre sparks row as it's less than a minute from current centre

The move has been described as 'a false promise' that 'cannot possibly be viable'.

A decision was made in 2014 that there was no future for the former Ryecroft Resource Centre and Dartmouth house, where Labour want to renovate, and that the nearby site in New Forest Road, which was eventually chosen, was far more suitable.

But in an election leaflet for Labour's Matt Ward, who is standing in Blakenall on May 5, it states: "Our biggest regret is that we were unable to save the Ryecroft Resource Centre. If we win control on May 5 we will rebuild a new community centre for our elderly and local community's use on this now derelict land."

The move has been slammed by Blakenall councillor Pete Smith who was instrumental in having the new community hub built in New Forest Road as opposed to the former resource centre.

He said: "To promise a new Community Centre just a few hundred yards from an existing, thriving and expanding centre is a false promise that cannot possibly be viable.

"When the NHS was in the former Dartmouth House building local elderly residents in Rycroft Place were plagued with traffic congestion problems. Emergency vehicles could not get access at times to the bungalows. Now there is a site that lends itself to suitable residential development such as bungalows at affordable rents, to free up some of the under-occupied family homes in the area occupied by elderly folk waiting for more suitable local accommodation.

"We know that in an election campaign, candidates can exaggerate a bit but to be so fanciful with the truth is really unacceptable. This false promise only goes to confirm the cynical 'all promises' view that would be voters have of politicians. Labour ought to know better!"

Councillor Smith has found an ally in the council leader councillor Mike Bird, who in an email addressed to councillor Smith and the Express & Star said: "Absolutely true Peter."

But the leader of Labour in Walsall, councillor Sean Coughlan, has hit back, insisting the new centre is required and that Labour will continue 'to invest in communities'.

He said: "We have always had a commitment to that area, it is one of the most deprived areas in Walsall. The plans are viable and a new community centre is needed. There always used to be two and they offered different services to one another."