“In recent weeks I have been approached by a number of constituents who are very concerned about proposals to build new housing on part of the Bilston playing fields off Prouds Lane.

“I also attended a public meeting on this issue a few weeks ago.

“I know that our city needs more housing and I want to see more housing built, both in Bilston and in other parts of the city. 

“But I believe building over a playing field like this would be the wrong thing to do.  These amenities are important for the health and wellbeing of people.  The truth is we need more sport and leisure facilities, not fewer. 

“There is a clear understanding locally that this land was always meant to be used for sport and recreation for the young people of Bilston.  That makes this a special case. 

“I think the council needs to go back to the drawing board on this proposal.  They should listen to the clearly expressed views of local people.

“There are many former industrial sites and abandoned buildings in Bilston and Wolverhampton which I believe would be better suited as locations for the new housing that our city needs.”