Unlicensed Rugeley pet trader jailed after animals left to suffer

Bird in cage in Illegal pet shop

Published: Friday, 13th February 2026

A pet trader from Rugeley who made hundreds of thousands of pounds illegally selling endangered animals from his home has been jailed for 32 months.

Robert Gillan was also banned from dealing in animals for ten years after he admitted a string of offences relating to the keeping and trading of animals following an investigation by Cannock Chase District Council.

Young people shine in first ever Leader’s School Debate

Leaders Debate

Published: Friday, 13th February 2026

More than 40 children took part in the first ever Leader’s School Debate hosted by Cannock Chase Council.

The 45 children and young people from local primary and secondary schools took part in the event across two days in the Council Chamber in front of a judging panel including the Council’s Leader, Deputy Leader, Chairman of the Council and local MP Josh Newbury. 

Young people invited to become ‘Guardians of Cannock Chase’

Guardians of the Chase

Published: Wednesday, 11th February 2026

A fun new way for children and young people to learn about Cannock Chase is coming to our local schools, community groups and parks.

After the success of the Cannock Chase National Landscape Sustainable Development Fund (SDF) project, the Friends of Hednesford Park have been working with partners to expand ‘Guardians of Cannock Chase’ programme — an engaging, hands on scheme designed to help young people explore, enjoy and care for our amazing local landscape.

Creative half-term activities planned for Cannock Park this February

Spray art workshops

Published: Tuesday, 10th February 2026

Cannock Chase Council is inviting children, young people, and families to get creative and enjoy a range of fun, free activities taking place in Cannock Park over the February half term.

Following the success of last year’s vibrant spray painted artwork on the Pavilion, the professional spray artist involved in that project will be returning to Cannock. Over the next few weeks, they will be working to enhance the external walls of Chase Leisure Centre with new designs. 

Share your views and shape Rugeley Town Centre

Rugeley Town Centre

Published: Monday, 9th February 2026

Cannock Chase Council is inviting residents, businesses, and visitors to have their say on Rugeley Town Centre at their market stall next week.

On Thursday 19 February, from 10am until 3pm, consultants JTP will have a market stall in Rugeley Town Centre, on behalf of the Council, where they will be gathering feedback and ideas from the community.

This is your chance to tell us what you love about the town centre, what you think could be improved, and what developments you believe would benefit the area. Your views will help shape the vision for Rugeley town centre’s future.

Government launches consultation on how councils work in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent

LGR Consultation

Published: Friday, 6th February 2026

Residents, businesses and community organisations across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent are being encouraged to share their views as the Government launches its statutory consultation on local government reorganisation.

From bins to bridges, safer streets to social care, councils support daily life across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent. The way local government works in the area could change in the future as part of national proposals to simplify council structures.

Hednesford resident fined for breaching a Public Spaces Protection Order

Cannock Chase Council logo - Hednesford resident fined for breaching a Public Spaces Protection Order

Published: Monday, 2nd February 2026

A young woman from Hednesford has pleaded guilty at Cannock Magistrates Court after repeatedly riding an e-scooter within an area covered by a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO).

On 27 January 2026 Brooke Allport aged 19, entered a guilty plea by post in relation to offences committed in early 2025.

As a result of the guilty plea, the Magistrates imposed the following penalties: a fine of £40, a surcharge of £15 and legal costs totaling £600.


Cannock Park awarded gold PiPA Accreditation

Cannock Park gold award

Published: Friday, 12th December 2025

Cannock’s newest park has been awarded Gold Accreditation under the Plan Inclusive Play Areas (PiPA) scheme, recognising its excellence in inclusive and accessible play provision for children and families across the community.

The Gold PiPA Accreditation is the highest level of recognition awarded under the PiPA framework, which assesses play spaces against criteria including accessibility, inclusive design, and high-quality play opportunities for children of all ages and abilities.

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