Three sisters living next to the proposed site for a new £50 million free school in Walsall have voiced their frustration, accusing decision-makers of neglecting local residents. Julie Petty and Jayne Cooney, both 65, along with their sister Ann Ryder, 62, argue that the Department for Education (DfE) and Walsall Council are disregarding their concerns about the new 1000-student school planned for 13.7 acres of woodland at Reedswood Park.
Since the proposal was announced in 2017, the choice of this greenfield site has faced mounting opposition from MPs, residents, and planning consultants. The key issues revolve around the loss of precious woodland, environmental damage, and problematic access, primarily due to the anticipated use of Reedswood Lane as the main route to the school.
The sisters, who live adjacent to the area, say they have received no direct communication from authorities about the plans. Julie expressed her frustration: “We’ve had no letters about the proposal or construction. It’s easy for those far away to decide but what about the residents who live here and pay the rates? The junction can’t handle the extra traffic – it’s a recipe for chaos.”
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Ann raised serious safety concerns, recalling past incidents: “Someone is bound to get hurt. How will construction vehicles even get through? Reedswood Lane is already dangerous – in the sixties, a child was killed by a lorry on this road.”
While the DfE has not officially confirmed the access route, local authorities have not refuted the use of Reedswood Lane, fueling worries among residents.
Opponents of the plan suggest repurposing the vacant Sneyd Comprehensive School site on Vernon Way as a more sensible alternative. Ann said, “Sneyd is already a school site with parking and space, no congestion, and less environmental impact. Walsall Council seems to ignore us little people. They talk about protecting green belt land, but what about the wildlife at Reedswood? The park was left to the people of Walsall — they shouldn’t be allowed to destroy it.”
Julie echoed these sentiments: “It’s green belt land, public space for everyone in Walsall. The council hasn’t properly considered the impact on local residents; they’ve just pushed ahead. It’s unfair.”
Despite these concerns, Councillor Adrian Andrew, deputy leader of Walsall Council, recently expressed difficulty understanding the opposition.
Adding another layer to local anxiety, the council’s draft local plan also proposes building 94 homes on the same site. The sisters say they’d prefer housing to a school, citing safety worries after recent violent incidents on Reedswood Lane, including a machete found near Ann’s home and a drive-by shooting earlier this year.
Ann added, “The area isn’t safe — drugs are sold openly, police are frequently called, and there’s been serious violence. Would anyone want their children walking these streets every day?”
Julie has called for the Education Secretary to visit the community and hear residents’ concerns firsthand. “They’ve taken our money and made decisions without telling us. We’re the little people and they don’t care.”
The DfE responded by assuring that parents, local authorities, and residents will have opportunities to participate in consultations, including a drop-in session planned for later this month.
A DfE spokesperson said, “We are proceeding with free school projects that meet community needs and aim to raise educational standards. Everyone will be invited to learn more and share their views.”
Councillor Mark Statham, who oversees children’s services at Walsall Council, emphasized the benefits of the project: “This new school will provide education to over 1,000 young people and is part of significant government investment in Walsall. The site, formerly a golf course, is council-owned and adjacent to Reedswood Park. The funding was confirmed in December 2025 and the project is still in early stages. Resident input will be key as plans develop. Ensuring every Walsall child has a school place is our legal duty, and this investment will support high-quality education and strengthen the local community.”