School bosses slam football club playing field decision claiming they were ignored
A deal to rent out playing fields in Dudley has been slammed by a neighbouring school which claims it has been ignored by the council.
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Gornal Athletic Football Club has agreed to take over Burton Road playing fields from Dudley Council under a 25-year lease which would, subject to planning permission, lead to 21 pitches and a variety of other facilities being created on the site.
The deal has been criticised by nearby Bishop Milner Catholic College which has used the field for 25 years and says there was no communication from the authority when it was put on the market for lease.
In a joint statement, Helen Parkes, CEO of the St John Bosco Multi Academy Company (MAC) and Siobhan Foster, head of Bishop Milner, said: “The school is in the process of arranging a meeting with Gornal Athletic whose efforts to reach out and discuss the matter have been most welcome.
“While we remain disappointed with the lack of communication to date from Dudley MBC we remain open and willing to liaise with all key stakeholders in resolving this matter.”
A letter to councillors from the school after the Gornal FC deal was announced said: “Communication on this matter has been sporadic. The school became aware that the land was being offered for lease in July 2023, having received no communication from the local authority since December 2021.
