Trust 'interested' in link-up over Cannock Chase

A report prepared for the authority's Prosperous Staffordshire Select Committee next week suggests that the council should seek a partner to help run its countryside estate, including The Chase.

Both the National Trust and the Forestry Commission were mooted as possible partners in the report.

Now the trust, which was in conversation with the council during an original consultation, said it is not open to the idea.

The National Trust is taking control of Shugborough Hall later this year from the Council.

Ben Shipston, assistant director of operations at the trust, said: "The National Trust would be interested in working with Staffordshire County Council and other partner organisations over the future management of land at Cannock Chase, particularly given that we will soon be taking back the management of Shugborough Hall, which sits on the edge of the Cannock Chase Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

"At this stage, no discussions have taken place with the council, other than to respond to their original consultation."

The authority is looking to pool resources with the National Trust and the Forestry Commission who own and run land adjacent to the council's countryside estate, specifically Cannock Chase and Chasewater.

There had been concerns that prior to these recommendations the county council was potentially looking to sell the land, but this has been categorically dismissed by a spokesperson.

A report put together by Councillor Mark Winnington on the proposal of pooling resources reads: "The review is about looking for new and innovative ways to manage the countryside estate so that it is more affordable to run and delivers better outcomes for Staffordshire's residents.

"Over 7,000 people signed a petition to oppose the sale of Cannock Chase.

"However, since our promotion campaign has been launched explaining the proposals that The Chase and all other sites are to remain in county council ownership and that sale had never been an option only a total of 555 felt the need to comment during the consultation.

"These responses have been very constructive and important in helping shape the way forward."

He added: "These proposals look to build on existing partnerships and an extensive consultation to find ways of managing a diverse estate, maintaining public space for this and future generations, and reducing the burden of that duty to taxpayers.

"The proposals do not include plans to transfer ownership of any site, or sell any land."