Express & Star

Bilston's Prouds Lane playing fields set for makeover

Playing fields in Wolverhampton which had been earmarked for a housing development are now set to be revamped and modernised.

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The Prouds Lane playing fields in Bilston are set to be revamped

Families and youngsters are being asked for their views in helping to redesign the playing fields in Bilston which have remained unchanged for decades.

The city council is asking people to take part in a public consultation regarding what facilities they would like to see at Prouds Lane, next to the site of the former Bilston Leisure Centre.

Design plans showing what the fields could look like in the future have already been drawn up but leisure bosses want members of the public to give their input on the proposals.

The council is asking people to take part in a public consultation

It comes two-and-a-half years after plans to build 40 houses on the playing fields were rejected following a campaign by hundreds of local residents.

Councillor Linda Leach said: “The playing fields have not had any significant improvements for many years and some funds have been provided by local developers that can be spent on these improvements.

Residents came together to oppose plans for a housing development on the field

“We want to hear about what is important to local people and their families and how they do or could use the playing fields. This helps us make improvements that the community needs and wants.

“Our designs give ideas around what the playing fields could have on site in addition to the two football pitches which will remain.

"If people have other ideas for facilities, then there is an opportunity to include this within the consultation survey,” she added.

The site in Prouds Lane

“If the consultation identifies that the community want more than one type of facility on the site then we would need to consider a phased approach in order to identify the funds for the development.”

The overall consultation runs until Monday, September 30, with two more public meetings on the fields at Prouds Lane this Thursday, August 22, and next Thursday, August 29, between 4-5pm.

In attendance on both days will be the young Wolves, who put on activities for youngsters while parents have the chance to talk to council representatives and leisure chiefs about the plans.

Councillor Leach added that the site would require a full ground conditions survey before a final design could be agreed.

Members of the public can also take part in the consultation online on the council’s website at community.development@wolverhampton.gov.uk