A DEAL to develop the derelict Longlands School site in Stourbridge has fallen through, the town's MP has confirmed.

Birmingham Metropolitan College, which owns the old school and college site in Brook Street, had reportedly been working with a developer after inviting bids last autumn.

But Stourbridge MP Margot James, who has been keeping people living in the Old Quarter up to date on plans for the overgrown, vandal-hit site, confirmed Cameron Homes - which had been selected as the preferred developer - has pulled out of the deal after undertaking preparatory work and surveys.

Ms James said she and ward councillors Nic Barlow and Steve Clark met with BMet bosses and officials from Dudley Council, which owns part of the site, and she said: "We were very disappointed to learn that Cameron Homes have decided to pull out of the deal to improve the site, meaning a new developer will have to be found.

"However, we have been promised there is considerable interest in the site following the decision of Cameron Homes.

"Indeed, a number of potential developers have now registered their interest. BMet will also contact previously interested developers to ascertain whether they would like to bid again.

"BMet and the council have stated clearly that they hope to have a new developer in place in the autumn."

Ms James, who was recently appointed as minister for small business by new Prime Minister Theresa May, said BMet bosses were co-operating with the police to prevent further anti-social behaviour and trespassing on the site, which has suffered a string of arson attacks, and she added: "They have instigated the process of boarding up the site and have increased their 24-hour security.

"Anti-vandalism paint has been applied to the fencing and groundsmen will now remove shrubbery which could provide cover for criminal activity."

The Tory MP stressed residents's concerns would be listened to before any final decision is made regarding the site which was mothballed in 2011 - although she conceded: "Progress has been much slower than I would have liked."

She said she would be working closely with the council, BMet bosses and the next selected developer over the coming weeks to ensure the site is redeveloped in an "acceptable timeframe".

Cameron Homes declined to comment on why the deal fell through and no-one from BMet was available at time of publication.

Cllr Steve Clark said it was a "shame" the deal had fallen through and he added: "It was a great plan, it was a very nice design they came up with - but these things happen."

Councillor Khurshid Ahmed, Dudley Council's cabinet member for planning and economic development, added: “We are disappointed this deal fell through, which was something beyond our control, but have started marketing the site again with immediate effect. 

"We share people’s frustrations, but rest assured we are working together with BMet and our agent to secure a developer for the site.”