Published: Monday 22nd February 2021 | 4.26pm
Views from residents living in Norton Canes have been sought as part of a recent consultation to improve the play area and open space at The Cema – Chapel Street Park in Norton Canes.
The 6-week consultation was launched in November 2020 and closed on 11 January 2021. 137 responses were received in total with 122 surveys being completed online and 15 on paper.
The results show that the park and play area appear to be well used with two thirds of respondents visiting at least once a week.
Most respondents visit the area for exercise, walking the dog and playing in the park.
The most popular pieces of play equipment that people would like to see in the new play area are swings, wide slides, multi-games area, climbing frames, a zip wire and a roundabout.
Respondents are also keen to see a circular pathway, green gym, more benches and bins as part of the improvements.
The installation of an art feature split opinion straight down the middle. This suggests there will be a need to include art into the finished scheme with the possibility of creating an entrance feature or interpretation panels.
Finally, over 90 per cent of respondents would like to see the history of the site reflected in the design of the play area. This will be incorporated into the design brief for the play area contractors.
The Council is continuing to work closely with Norton Canes Parish Council to develop some design options for the site based on the results of this survey. The design proposals will go out for consultation after the Easter holidays, so residents will have an opportunity to see the various options available.
This project was approved in December 2019 when Cannock Chase Council’s Cabinet approved the spending of £120,000 to improve the play area and open space on the Cema site. The money has been allocated from Section 106 funds collected from housing developments in Norton Canes.
Councillor Christine Mitchell, Portfolio Leader for Leisure and Culture, said: “The Council is committed to providing good quality parks, play areas and open spaces and it’s very exciting to see this development taking shape.
“Thank you to all those that have took part in this consultation. Your views have provided a clear overview of what you would like to see on this site which will now be built into the next stage of the development.
“Design proposals for the site will now be created and presented to residents in a future consultation in the coming months."
Councillor John Preece, Chairman of Norton Canes Parish Council, said: “I am delighted that the consultation exercise received such a good response, and I look forward to seeing the Cema once this project is completed.
“This is the first of what I hope to be several projects that we are endeavoring to bring forward to enhance the sport and leisure facilities in our community."
If you would like to view a copy of the survey results and get regular updates about the ongoing improvement works visit www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk/thecema
For further information about the improvement works, please call the Parish Council on 01543 276812 or email nortoncanesparishcouncil@live.co.uk