MORE than 1,400 people have signed a petition calling for town hall bosses to rethink their plans to bulldoze a former high school and sell off what they describe as “the last green space in Rock Ferry”.

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

Wirral Council is in the process of asking the Government’s permission to dispose of the school buildings, which it says is “surplus to educational requirements” and the playing fields on Ravenswood Avenue.

But those living near to the site have called for the building to be saved, claiming the adjoining fields are a vital community asset.

A petition, set up by neighbours Alison Meehan and Sue Dodd – who live near to the site – has already attracted 1,418 online signatures in less than a week, with dozens more collected on paper.

Alison said: “This is the last green space in Rock Ferry. It’s an amenity the local residents have used historically for 100 years.

“It’s an area where people enjoy walking their dogs, local football teams play matches on there and the woodland boasts a number of species that people enjoy watching including tawny owls, woodpeckers and hedgehogs.”

Wirral Globe:
The former Rock Ferry High School site.

Alison told the Globe the whole community feels strongly about saving the site, which is used by people from right across the district.

She added that the oldest part of the school, Ravenswood House – which was built in 1874 – is Grade II listed.

“People were disappointed to see the school go as a lot of people here were educated there and their children were educated there,” said Alison.

“Reports on the news said there will be a further 900,000 children coming into education – we need more schools, not fewer.

“There is going to be a great need for educational facilities in the future and it shouldn’t be removed – you can’t put it back once it’s gone.”

Wirral Council previously said £450,000 had been set aside for the demolition of Rock Ferry High, with the land suitable for housing.

Alison added: “There’s a very strong depth of feeling for saving this site – it’s something that’s cross generational from young people right through to people who have grown up with the land.”

Money from the sale of the land is expected to be used for education and sport projects across Wirral.

A consultation on the proposal closes on January 23.

To sign the petition, click here.