Residents to get say on Chase

People who live in and around Cannock Chase are being asked for their views on how it is run. Consultation meetings are to be held over the next few months.

A management plan on how Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) should be maintained and protected is set to be updated following the consultation with local residents.

The AONB management team has organised a series of consultation events to allow people to have their say and put forward ideas.

An initial management document was published in 2004 to help conserve and enhance the area for future generations.

Steven Jenkins, spokesman for Staffordshire County Council, said: "The management plan is a vision which can only be achieved through the continued, active participation of a wide range of people.

"It sets out policies and actions which provide the framework for annual action plans aimed at managing and protecting the AONB for the benefit of all."

The open consultation events at local village halls will give people the chance to raise any issues they have and give AONB staff the opportunity to consider them when the management plan is reviewed.

Residents can talk to staff, write responses or go away and send in responses after the event.

The events are being held on Saturday, September 15, between 1pm and 5pm at Cannock Wood village hall; Friday, October 5, between 9.30am and 12.30pm at Etching Hill Village Hall, Rugeley; Wednesday, December 5, between 1.30pm and 4.30pm at Walton Village Hall, Stafford, and Monday, February 18, between 2pm and 6pm at Huntington Village Hall.

Cannock Chase AONB is one of a family of 41 AONBs in England and Wales and the smallest on the mainland.

It was given the status because of its beautiful landscape, history and wildlife.

By Jo Mason