West Midlands mayor Andy Street says Sutton Coldfield could reclaim control of Sutton Park from Birmingham as the UK embraces a ‘new era of devolution’.

Mr Street, who heads up the West Midlands Combined Authority, says he and other ‘metro mayors’ in England will be pushing the new Government for further devolution of powers in 2020 – which could aid Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council in its ambition to regain control of the park.

“This year will be banging on Government’s door talking about further devolution of powers, including producing a new White Paper setting out how the UK’s regions would benefit from more localised decision making,” he said.

“But this new era of devolution isn’t just about regional powers, it’s about devolution at all levels. So, while we may want the Government to give us control of some services regionally – such as the railways and the skills budget - we should be pushing down to the most local level to see what should be done there too.

“Sutton Coldfield Town Council is a great example of devolution to the local level, that I have said in the past could provide a template for other areas in the West Midlands.

“Local people have already taken over control of the town hall via a trust, and Town Council’s pioneering support for the library has shown there can be a viable and imaginative local route to support local services.

“Now the town council is poised to take control of the historic Vesey Gardens – and the next landmark in devolution to Royal Sutton Town Council would be the return of the Park to local control, something that I think would represent a natural step.”

Last year Sutton Coldfield Town Council made a bid to take control of Sutton park from Birmingham City Council, after chiefs in the Second City asked for Sutton’s proposals for further devolution of powers.

The town authority requested the key transfer of Sutton Park, part of the Conservative Party’s manifesto, along with the transfer of Vesey Gardens, near Holy Trinity Parish Church and the war memorials at King Edward Square and Walmley. 

However, while Vesey Gardens and the war memorials are in the process of being transferred to Sutton, city councillors have so far resisted handing over Sutton Park.

The park, once a Royal hunting ground, was originally given to the people of Sutton Coldfield by Henry VIII and has long been considered the ‘jewel in the crown’ of the Royal Town.

Councillor Simon Ward, Leader of Royal Sutton Coldfield Town Council, said: “We welcome this intervention from Andy Street and look forward to the positive impact devolution will have on our community.  

“Residents of our Royal Town want to see more powers and assets devolved to their Council.  Sutton Park is just such a special and unique place and it is right that its looked after by those that truly understand its rich history and can safeguard its future.” 

Sutton Coldfield MP Andrew Mitchell added: “We are extremely grateful to our regional Mayor for supporting this transfer of powers which is very widely applauded throughout our Royal Town.”