College bid put on hold (From Stourbridge News)

College bid put on hold

9:33am Thursday 8th February 2007 in Local

A DECISION over the former Brierley Hill Baths site is still yet to be determined after councillors requested further information.

Brierley Hill Area Committee considered proposals by Stourbridge College to purchase the council-owned land on Cottage Street.

The college requested to buy land off Poplars Health Centre, District Housing Office, Brierley Hill baths including a nearby car park.

Plans are to expand facilities, build classrooms and a youth theatre, and once the Midlands Metro and Parallel Route have been decided and confirmed it will offer direct links to the public transport network.

Stourbridge College asked councillors to approve the recommendation which would help to secure cash from Advantage West Midlands.

Brockmoor and Pensnett cllr Karen Jordan welcomed the decision but raised concerns over the proposal requesting before approval she would like to see a presentation and more information from college.

Cllr Tomkinson raised concerns on how long the time would take for work to start on the land in question if a decision was made.

Cllr Rosemary Tomkinson said: "I took time to look at the land and it is a disgrace.

"The fence is falling down and it is not safe, I think it is a disgrace and I am ashamed of the land."

Spokesperson for the college Shawn Riley said although he accepted the concerns raised and wasn't in objection to the presentation he was anxious any time delay may result in the window of opportunity passing for the funding'.

Chairman Margaret Wilson said the decision for approval should be deferred until they get a presentation and further report.