Local residents, businesses and community groups are being asked their views on Cannock Chase Council’s priorities for the future, as part of the Council’s ambitious new plan for the next three years and beyond.

The public engagement, which started on 27 October, runs until 1 December and aims to gauge opinions and seek views on how the Council works with partners in public, private and community sectors to promote prosperity and community wellbeing.

As part of Cannock Chase Council’s Annual Canvass, in August this year every household in the Cannock Chase District was sent a form asking residents to check that the information held for those living at that address was correct.

Households that failed to respond have been sent reminders and will be visited in person by canvassers if they don’t respond soon.

The aim of the canvass is to ensure that the electoral register is up to date and to encourage those who are not currently registered to do so.

Are you a local person who recognises the valuable work that Councillors do?

If so, you could be the person we are seeking…

We are looking to appoint independent persons to serve on the Council’s Independent Remuneration Panel. The Panel will consider and make recommendations relating to the allowances to be paid to elected Councillors, together with recommendations about the responsibilities and duties for which allowances should be payable.

Cannock Chase Council is working closely with Staffordshire Police, Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service and local outreach workers to help young people stay safe and keep out of trouble this Halloween and Bonfire night.

Halloween can be harmless fun but some members of the community can become distressed by unexpected trick or treaters. Part of a wider ‘Take Care and Be Aware’ initiative, young people are being encouraged to ‘Think – Be Aware Who You Scare’ and to follow some simple do’s and don'ts this Halloween. These can be found on Cannock Chase Council’s website.

Cannock Chase Council is reminding owners that an empty property loan is available for properties in the Cannock Chase District, this empty homes week (16-22 October).

The Council have developed an interest free loans scheme to assist owners whose properties have been empty for 2 years or more. Owners may be able to loan up to £10,000 to renovate their property to the Decent Homes Standard.

Residential properties that stand empty within Cannock Chase could be providing homes for the many people who need one.

Cannock Chase Council has helped to secure over £13million of investment in the District during 2016/17, a record amount that shows significant progress in the local economy.

The figures have been highlighted in the Council’s Annual Report 2016/17, alongside key information about achievements and service delivery during the year. 

Work by the Environment Agency is nearing completion on rebuilding the former collapsed footbridge.

This work is complementary to the Rugeley Flood Alleviation Scheme which is currently under construction at Hagley Park and due for completion in December 2017.

Cannock Chase Council has provided funding of circa £100,000 to enable the bridge to be re-built, and with the help of the Environment Agency and their contractors the bridge has been reinstated.

Hednesford Park has been awarded gold in the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Britain in Bloom awards.

Britain in Bloom award is a nationwide community gardening competition which gives local community groups the opportunity to showcase their achievements in community participation, maintenance and development and the environment.

Nominees are judged on:

The Community – Must demonstrate/indicate community involvement and support. This includes the fundraising and events programme linking to the sites development plans.

Achievements over the last 12 months...

Over the last 12 months, people living with dementia in Cannock Chase have seen an increase in awareness and help thanks to a number of successful initiatives delivered by the local Dementia Action Alliance.

Cannock Chase Council has been working with Staffordshire County Council and voluntary sector agencies towards making the District dementia-friendly.

Cannock Chase Council is teaming up with Recycle Now this Recycle Week to encourage the District to recycle bathroom items like empty deodorant cans and perfume bottles.

Whilst we do well in Cannock Chase to recycle what we can, certain items around the house somehow evade the recycling bin.  Recycling just a few more items can make a big difference and the bathroom is a good place to start.  In the UK, almost 90% of packaging is recycled in our kitchens, while just over half (52%) of items are recycled in the bathroom.