GREENSPACE in Cradley has been saved from development after a four year campaign by councillors and campaigners.

Dudley Council has confirmed the greenspace between Highfield Road and Foredraft Street has been removed from its plans for development contained in the draft Dudley Local Plan.

The council had earmarked the site for up to 18 properties, against the wishes of local residents who say that it is important land for the local community.

Liberal Democrat councillor for Cradley and Wollescote Ethan Stafford said: "Dudley Council's 'will they, won't they' approach to developing this site has unfairly left residents in limbo for years.

"I'm pleased to see victory at last after supporting residents since the very beginning of the campaign.

"I remember the group being told by a Conservative councillor that we should give up, I'm so glad we soldiered on."

Councillor Paul Bradley, deputy leader of the council, said: “I can confirm that following further site assessment work, the site has been deallocated as a housing allocation under the Dudley Local Plan. “The plan will be the subject of a six-week public consultation from mid-October.”