CAMPAIGNERS opposed to plans for a designer outlet shopping centre in Sandwell took their protest to the streets this week.

Protesters opposed to the sale of Lion Farm playing fields in Oldbury picketed Tuesday night’s meeting of Sandwell Council.

But the scandal-hit authority has flatly denied there is any secrecy or behind doors deals around the scheme which could create 2,000 jobs and attract £200 million of investment to the borough.

Some nine protesters opposed to the sale of Lion Farm playing fields in Oldbury picketed the council as members met to elect the new mayor.

The 200,000 square feet development is proposed for council-owned land close to Junction 2 of the M5, but protesters claim the plan is being pushed through while local residents are being kept in the dark.

Mike Siviter, who lives on Newbury Lane close to the proposed site, said he only learned of it a few weeks ago.

Explaining why he is attended the demonstration, he said: “I can’t understand why this is being put forward. I thought the councils were supposed to be redeveloping brownfield sites not green spaces.

“This proposal will lead to a huge increase in traffic and congestion with all the problems of car fumes and such.”

He added: “It seems to us that these decisions are being taken behind closed doors and it’s the secrecy that concerns me and others as much as anything else.”

Sandwell Council though said that far from being secretive, details had been widely published in public council papers and the media.

A council spokesman said: “Developer Jeremy Knight-Adams has been given a concession to produce proposals for a multi-million pound designer outlet.

“An option on the land at Lion Farm was agreed at the Land and Asset Management Committee in December 2012. The decision has gone through a number of public council meetings including Cabinet in January 2013 followed by Full Council in March 2013.

“Details of the scheme were again in the public domain when a further cabinet report proposing the next steps was approved in November 2017. The proposals have been widely reported in the local media.

“The option is not for the sale of the land. It is an option to move towards a potential sale or lease provided various conditions are met. No scheme can proceed unless the conditions are met and planning approval given. Any approval would need to include alternative new provision for sports pitches.

“The developer would be required to consult fully with local residents prior to any planning application being submitted. It is for the developer to set out the detail of any proposals that they are producing. Any planning application would also be subject to public consultation.”