PEOPLE power has seemingly won the day after town hall bosses agreed to save “the last green space in Rock Ferry” from development after months of negotiations with residents.

Rock Ferry High School closed its doors four years ago when it merged with Park High to form University Academy of Birkenhead.

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The playing fields will be transferred to community ownership.

Wirral Council had already agreed to seek the Government’s permission to dispose of the school buildings, which it says are “surplus to educational requirements” and the playing fields on Ravenswood.

But those living near to the site called for the council to rethink their decision, claiming the adjoining fields are a vital community asset.

Close to 3,000 people signed a petition in favour of saving the fields, something which had the desired effect.

While part of the site will still be sold off and redeveloped – more than likely with housing – the former playing fields will now be transferred to community ownership after Wirral’s ruling cabinet unanimously approved amended recommendations.

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The site’s Grade II listed Ravenswood building (pictured above) will also be retained and refurbished as part of the new plans.

Moving the amended scheme, Cllr Adrian Jones said: “We are a listening council and following extensive public consultation, it was evidenced that there was a very significant amount of opposition to that [original] proposal.”

Wirral Council will now work with the newly formed Rock Ferry High Residents’ Association to bring forward proposals for the management of the site.

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Alison Meehan, chair of RFHRA, said: “We are pleased that the council had recognised the strength of feeling from the community towards the site’s future, which appears to have resulted in a willingness to look at retaining part of the site and woodlands as green space.

“We now look forward to working with our fellow residents to find the best way of funding and maintaining the site for the benefit of all.

“The RFHRA will make further comment once we have had time to meet and fully digest the news.”

Rock Ferry ward Cllr Chris Meaden added: “We listened to what the residents wanted and we’ve come back and changed the recommendations so that we keep the woodland and we keep the sports field and we will be working closely with the association.”