Walsall TUC welcomes a major victory for the Reedswood community after plans to build a new school on Reedswood Park were rejected by the Planning Committee.

This is more than a planning decision. It is a victory for community campaigning, collective action and people power.

Local residents refused to stand by while a much-loved community green space was put at risk. They organised, petitioned, attended meetings, raised objections, spoke out and came together in protest.

Thousands of people backed the campaign.

Their message was simple: Reedswood Park is not an empty piece of land waiting to be built on. It is a community asset — a place for recreation, nature, exercise, children's activities, community events and people's health and wellbeing.

Walsall TUC was proud to stand alongside residents throughout the campaign.

A Victory for the Community

Speaking after the decision, Shahin Akhtar, Secretary of Walsall Trades Union Council, said:

“This is a fantastic victory for the people of Reedswood and for everyone who stood together to protect this precious community green space.

“Tonight, the community’s voice has been heard. Thousands of residents signed the petition, people came out to protest, campaigned, attended meetings and refused to stand by while Reedswood Park was put at risk.

“Walsall TUC has been proud to stand alongside them. We recognise the importance of providing school places, but that cannot mean simply sacrificing precious community green space without properly exploring every alternative.

“Tonight proves what can be achieved when ordinary people come together, organise and refuse to be ignored. Reedswood Park has been protected — and that is something worth celebrating.

“This is a victory for residents, for our green spaces and for future generations.”»

They Said It Couldn't Be Done — The Community Proved Them Wrong

The campaign showed the strength that exists when residents organise around an issue that directly affects their lives.

People from across the community came together, supported the campaign and made their voices impossible to ignore. The petition, public objections, community meetings and protest outside Walsall Council House demonstrated the depth of opposition to the proposal.

For Walsall TUC, this is exactly what solidarity is about.

When communities are threatened, we stand together. When working-class communities raise their voices, they deserve to be heard. And when people organise collectively, they can win.

The campaign also highlights the importance of protecting public and community spaces at a time when valuable green areas can come under increasing pressure for development.

The Fight for Our Communities Continues

Walsall TUC recognises that children need access to good schools and that the council must plan for future education needs. But finding solutions to those challenges should not mean treating community green space as the easy option.

The rejection of this proposal provides an opportunity to step back and properly consider alternative ways of meeting those needs while protecting the spaces that communities rely on.

For now, however, there is something important to celebrate.

Reedswood Park has been protected.

Walsall TUC congratulates every resident, campaigner, community organisation and trade unionist who played their part in this campaign.

This victory belongs to them.