Hundreds back petition to save a once popular social club near Walsall for the community

Residents campaigning to save a longstanding social club near Walsall over concerns it may fall into the hands of property developers have attracted hundreds of signatures for their petition.

Campaigners want to see Darlaston Sport and Social Club, in the Leys, Darlaston, reopened and turned into a community asset for youth facilities, a bar and the car park retained for parents’ parking for nearby Old Church Primary School during term time. They launched a dual petition and held a poster protest to raise public awareness about the issue in King Street on April 21.

The Facebook group Darlaston Voice has so attracted more than 100 online signatures on the petition website 38 Degrees and 200 on sheets which have been distributed at community groups and public houses in the town.

Tony Rowley, from the group said: “We want to save the building and the car park facilities for the community. We would like to get it reopened as a youth facility to keep the young people off the streets and the licensed bar be retained for those older people who want to go in for a bevy.

“The car park could also be used by parents to use when dropping and picking up pupils from the nearby primary school to help tackle road safety concerns. A pedestrian crossing was installed after two little girls were knocked down about two years ago and retaining the car park would also assist as it’s otherwise choc-a-bloc down there.

“If it gets sold to developers, it is unlikely that the parents will be allowed to use it and the safety of local children, including my grandchild who attends the school, would be put at risk. We want to protect it and we’re asking people to sign the petition which will be handed to the authority asking for the site to be considered as a community asset.

“Councillors and residents have been campaigning to save the premises which is owned by Walsall Council. The doors closed earlier this year after the private operator gave up the licence.

“We have raised about 300 signatures so far and there is still an opportunity for more people to give us their support by following us on Facebook and clicking on the petition link.”

The social club was a once thriving enterprise and has fallen victim to economic pressures and social changes.

To support the petition visit the 38 Degrees webpage.