Coseley School sports centre saved

The centre, which is part of the school site, will stay open for now after Dudley Council reached a deal allowing it to run it.

Bosses said they were determined to keep the facility open for the public until the site is redeveloped.

The school was closed due to dwindling pupil numbers and poor performance - but the decision sparked a massive backlash from parents.

Despite the loss of the school, the council has moved to ensure the sports centre will stay open - for the time being at least.

Plans have been put forward for a £6 million free school to be based at the site. The Collegiate Academy Trust, which includes the Shireland Collegiate Academy, is keen to take over the site and it is uncertain what such a move would mean for the sports centre in the long term.

Dudley Council said keeping the centre open was 'in the best interests of the community'.

Councillor Peter Miller, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: "It would have been a shame to lose the facility when a lot of money has been spent on it.

"It good news it has been able to be kept open for residents and youngsters and sports teams will be able to continue to use it."

Hundreds of parents protested against the decision to shut the school, with a rally held outside the council house and a petition launched. The final pupils left in June and the school closed its gates last month.

The proposals for the site to be used as a primary school emerged in April.

If approved, the school would be known as the Coseley Technology Primary. It would cater for 420 pupils when full, while offering an additional 52 pre-school places.

The Coseley Technology Primary is one of three new free primary schools being developed by the trust.

Plans are also progressing to build schools in Darlaston and Willenhall.