£5m revamp in jeopardy

Plans for a £5 million revamp of Hednesford have been thrown into doubt after news a public inquiry must be held to examine a compulsory purchase order made by the council.

Cannock Chase Council served the order against a business in Market Street after negotiations between the owners and developers St Modwen failed to reach a deal.

Following a public consultation three people objected to the CPO, forcing a public inquiry which will not take place until later this year.

The news is a blow to the council's efforts aims to revamp the town centre as part of its overall aim to regenerate all three Chase towns of Cannock, Hednesford, and Rugeley.

The project is now unlikely to get off the ground until next year even if the public inquiry decides in favour of the compulsory purchase order.

The phase one section of the regeneration of Hednesford town centre is designed to create a mixture of retail and leisure developments.

The scheme which was first unveiled two years ago will see a 3.6 acre site on Market Street and Rugeley Road, opposite the Uxbridge Motel and pub, demolished to make way for a Lidl discount food store, a pub and restaurant, six retail units and residential apartments.

Glenn Watson, economic development manager at the council, revealed the delay to Hednesford Community Forum last night.

He said: "Following a consultation there have been three objections lodged against the CPO and as a consequence of that there will be a public inquiry later in 2008."