DUDLEY’S planning committee gave the thumbs up to plans to create a community centre and changing rooms with multi-use games area on the Donkey Pool playing fields.

The scheme, which also includes improving pedestrian access at the Priory Road site, was approved by members of the borough’s development control committee at their meeting on July 19 at Dudley Council House.

Councillor Keiran Casey said: “I think this is a fantastic application. This area will really benefit from this community centre. It’s just what the area needs. Councillors Alan Finch, Ken Finch and Margaret Aston have worked hard on this and I’m pleased to see it come to fruition.”