Hundreds voice objection to new homes

Hundreds of people have objected to plans to build new council houses and flats on a piece of open land in the Black Country.

Sandwell Council wants to build 25 houses and 16 flats on the site of the former Kenrick & Jefferson sports ground in Devereux Road, West Bromwich.

Residents said they believe the area will become overcrowded, children will have nowhere to play and too many cars will be driving down the already congested streets.

Neighbourhood watch co-ordinator Lesley Roberts, aged 53, of Poplar Grove, said: "We don't want more homes built on a piece of green land. The council has left it in a poor state for years but they recently tidied it up because they want to put something there."

Pensioner Gwen Harper, of Devereux Road, said: "The cars are already parking all over our grass. I am concerned about the loss of privacy because of how close these flats will be built to where I live."

Mother of three Gemma Broomes, aged 27, of Springfield Crescent, said: "My boys use that field to play football as do a lot of the kids.

"I like them to go there rather than Kenrick Park because I can see them. If they lose this field it will send kids into the street to hang around where they can just get in trouble."

In a letter sent to residents David Stevenson, the council's head of progress and performance, said: "If the council receives funding approval from the Government the homes will be built to the latest specifications, they will be very environmentally sustainable and cheaper to light and heat."