Cannock Chase Council opened its Chamber to the School Council from Chancel Primary School in Rugeley this month.

Pupils aged between 8 and 11 were welcomed by the Council’s Chairman, Councillor Zaphne Stretton and learnt about the work the Council does and its political structure. They took part in an environmental awareness session delivered by the Council’s Environmental Protection team and learnt about the importance of disposing of litter properly.

Cannock Chase Council is supporting a new drive to encourage adults in the District to build more physical activity into their lives by simply walking briskly for at least ten continuous minutes every day.

A daily brisk 10 minute walk can make people feel better, more energetic and improve their mood.  Over time it can also help lower the risk of serious illnesses like heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

Cannock Chase Council propose to introduce an “off-street” parking places order on the Anglesey Street car park (rear of Co-op) creating both short stay and long stay spaces, which would be monitored and enforced by the Civil Enforcement Officers who currently patrol other Council car parks within the district.

The introduction of the order will prevent vehicles from parking for an unlimited period of time in the short stay area, thus keeping spaces available for other visitors to the Town Centre.

Two more businesses in the Cannock Chase District have expanded, thanks to the Let’s Grow Programme.

Hednesford and Norton Canes based companies: Syco Graphix and PC Paramedics have both secured ‘Let’s Grow Programme’ grant funding of up to £5,000 each, to help grow their business and create new jobs.

Syco Graphix a designer, manufacturing sign writer based in Hednesford are using the grant to add a mezzanine floor to their unit, updating their website and they will be employing an apprentice.

People in Cannock Chase are celebrating the launch of a new support tool, which will enable people with physical, learning and health needs to access vital information to improve their quality of life.

The Well Active website has been created by the local community and uses film, animation and a voice aid to ensure services, support and information on pathways to employment, independent living and local activities are more accessible.

Cannock Market Hall is set to open 4 days a week (Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday) from 1 April 2017, with a number of improvements and a new entrance. 

This follows a decision made by Cannock Chase Council on 8 February, after a public consultation on the financial recovery plan which will make £1.6M of savings and protect Council services for residents in the District.

Cannock Chase Council is supporting a national charity - NWG Network who asks all to unite against child sexual exploitation for their National Child Sexual Exploitation Awareness Raising Day on 18 March 2017.

Child sexual exploitation (CSE) is a form of sexual abuse that involves the manipulation and/or coercion of young people under the age of 18 into sexual activity.

This week saw the 5’s Pavilion and Sports Ground on Bradbury Lane officially opened by Council officials, with special guest Steve Bull MBE.

The state of the art facility features a floodlit full size 3G synthetic pitch which is suitable for 5-11 a-side teams.

In February 2015 Cannock Chase Council were awarded £390,039 of National Lottery funding from Sports England towards this scheme.  In addition £995,000 of funding was provided through the joint investment programme between Cannock Chase Council and Staffordshire County Council.

Children from Littleton Green Community School have helped to create a blossom garden in Hednesford Park as part of the ‘Bring on the Blossom’ project. 

‘Bring on the Blossom’ is a project funded by players of People’s Postcode Lottery through Postcode Local Trust. 

The Friends of Hednesford Park were successful in securing a grant from the People’s Postcode Lottery and will work in partnership with Cannock Chase Council to deliver the project.

Contractors have been selected for the second part of the phase 1 works at the former Cannock Stadium site. 

Works will include; new footpaths/cycle ways, adventure play area, lighting, green gym equipment, BMX pump track, community allotments/building and car parking.

Blakedown Sports and Play Limited will now enter an eight week design period, during which design proposals will be finalised with the Council.