Locals 'must back art plan'

An arts space development for the people of Burntwood is finally set to become a reality - but only if they get fully behind the project.

Councillor Doug Constable, leader of the Conservative group on Burntwood Town Council, has revealed there is already up to £500,000 available from various pots of money towards the project - which has been in the pipeline for many years.

But residents have been warned the scheme will be ditched for good if they don't get behind it.

And the intention now is for the town council to start consulting the people of the town as to what they want, and what they would expect.

An internal working group within Lichfield District Council is already looking at the project, and it is hoped an initial report on an arts space development could be available by the end of next month."This has been on the books for so long and something needs to be done about it, otherwise it will be cleared off the books," said councillor Constable.

"We want to listen to everyone we can in Burntwood. And if this is what they want, this is what we will try and get.

"People are looking for a community multi-function hall or facility. We don't even have a parish hall to call our own, it is disgraceful.

"People are looking for an arts centre in Burntwood. We want to communicate with the people of the town. What do they want?"

Town clerk Mary Danby is set to meet with the two main group leaders of the town council, councillor Constable (Con) and Steven Norman (Lab), to look at how the project can move forward.