Preparations for the new councils in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent are moving into their next phase as councils in the area work together to make the changes happen.

Council services will continue to be delivered as normal while planning for the new unitary authorities takes place, and changes will not affect the day-to-day services residents receive.

Following the government's decision to replace the existing ten councils across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent with two new unitary councils, two voluntary joint committees are being created.

Reports of anti-social behaviour at Linkway Retail Park in Cannock have fallen significantly thanks to joint action by Cannock Chase Council, Staffordshire Police, and the retail park's owners and managing agents.

The retail park had previously been identified as a hotspot for vehicle-related anti-social behaviour, including organised car meets, excessive noise, racing, and stunts in the car park.  Retailers also raised concerns about incidents occurring after stores had closed, including reports of staff feeling intimidated when leaving the site.

Cannock Chase Council has approved plans to redevelop Cotswold Road Play Area in Hednesford, paving the way for a modern, inclusive and accessible play space for local children and families.

The scheme, which will be funded through £143,520 of Section 106 developer contributions, will see the ageing play area completely refurbished as part of the Council's ongoing investment in parks and green spaces across the district.

The Prince of Wales Theatre in Cannock has been saved from demolition by senior Councillors following a Cabinet meeting last night (Thursday) - and is now set for a multi-million pound refurbishment.

The under-threat theatre had been earmarked for demolition, but Cannock Chase Council’s Cabinet unanimously voted to retain and refurbish the Theatre. This decision will be subject to detailed design work, the procurement of an operator and review of a full business case which will come back to Cabinet for review before a final commitment is made.

Cannock Chase District Council are pleased to announce that Lynn Harley-Biggs has been appointed as Chairperson for the newly created Chadsmoor Pride in Place Neighbourhood Board, alongside the newly appointed Board members.

Through her involvement with the Friends of Cannock Stadium Lynn is a well-known face in the local community and will be a strong advocate for ensuring local residents and businesses are at the heart of deciding how and where the £20m funding will be spent.

The Prince of Wales Theatre in Cannock, which was earmarked for demolition, could now be saved.

Senior councillors in Cannock Chase will be discussing an option to carry out a multi-million-pound refurbishment on the theatre which has been closed since April last year.