Work starts to pave way for Dawley sports site

Diggers will be moving in later this month to clear the way for a major new sports and learning community in Telford, it was revealed today.

A massive regeneration of Dawley will take its first step nearer reality when work to level Paddock Mount starts on August 23.

The earthworks are expected to take months to complete but then construction can begin on the new Dawley Sports and Learning Community to replace the existing, outdated Phoenix School.

The Mount hit the headlines last month when a Hollywood sign appeared on site, put up by protesters angry at the lopping of trees on site.

Vandals have since partially demolished it.

The work to level the site is expected to last a number of months with the next phase of the programme to deliver the Sports and Learning Community due to start in October 2011.

The Sports and Learning Community is a central part of the regeneration of Dawley and will replace the existing outdated Phoenix School.

Council leader Andrew Eade said: "This is a very exciting time for everyone in Telford and Wrekin and we will soon reach a stage where a number of different major projects are under construction to bring about an extensive social and economic regeneration of the borough.

"In Dawley, the earthworks to create a site at Paddock Mount for the new Sports and Learning Community will help to kick start the regeneration of Dawley's historic centre. I think it is fantastic that the Sports and Learning Community will be at the heart of our wider plans for the town."

Telford & Wrekin Council is carrying out a £240m programme to transform the borough's schools, with 15 secondary schools being rebuilt or remodelled as sports and learning communities.