New calls for study on football ground

Dudley Council has been asked to look into the possibility of building a new football stadium as part of the Porterfield development.

The Reform UK group on the authority has put forward a Notice of Motion for debate by full council to approve a feasibility study into a possible development.

Reform is asking for the council’s cabinet member for neighbourhoods to investigate options for a community stadium in Dudley.

Councillor Shaun Keasey, deputy leader of Dudley Reform UK, said: “Dudley is a proud town with its own football club, yet we don’t have a dedicated football stadium in the town. I believe we should explore whether Portersfield could provide that opportunity.

“But this isn’t just about football. A community stadium so close to the town centre could bring hundreds, potentially thousands, of additional visitors into Dudley on match days.

“Those visitors could use our shops, pubs, restaurants and public transport, generating much-needed footfall and supporting existing businesses while encouraging new investment.”

Dudley Town FC is currently based at a stadium in Willenhall and has not been able to play home fixtures in Dudley since 1985 when subsidence caused by old mine workings made their ground in the Castlegate area unsafe.

In 2023 councillors backed a motion from Labour councillor Shaukat Ali to recognise work to locate a new stadium for the club as part of a campaign called ‘Bring ‘um home’.

The campaign found support from Marco Longhi, leader of Dudley Reform UK who was the Conservative MP for Dudley North at the time.

Mr Longhi spoke in the House of Commons during questions to Lucy Frazer, the then secretary of state for culture, media and sport to ask for the government’s support for the campaign.

Speaking about the new Reform motion, Cllr Longhi said: “A community stadium could bring people, investment and renewed activity into our town centre. It’s an opportunity that deserves serious consideration.”

The Portersfield site, which includes the land where the former Cavendish House stood, is already earmarked for major development.

In July permission was granted for 265 apartments on the site and a planning application for construction of an ice rink in the area is expected to be made soon.

By Martyn Smith | Local Democracy Reporting Service