Tourist hotspot plan for derelict building
A new tourist hotspot may be created at an eyesore building which has lain derelict for years.
Councillor Paul Atkins, who sits on Lichfield and Burntwood Town councils, says a house next to Chasewater Sailing Club, Burntwood, formerly owned by the Coal Board, should be transformed into a heritage centre.
The Chasetown ward member is hoping to set up a committee to take the idea forward.
Situated on Pool Road, near Burntwood Bypass, the property sits in more than one acre.
Councillor Atkins said: "By forming a committee, grants could be applied for to regenerate the site. This would cost an estimated £250,000.
"The idea is to transform not just the building but the gardens so people could sit, have a drink and a picnic.
"It would be the gateway to Chasewater and would be of great interest. It would tidy the site up and be a prestigious building to have.
"I'd be happy if the local authorities would take it over but it doesn't look like they're going to. It would be just terrible if it were left to become rubble.
"I'm trying to do this now because people keep asking me about the house."
Rob Slack, a senior instructor at Chasewater Sailing Club welcomed the idea. He said: "It could only be a good thing and to everyone's advantage. Chasewater already has a lot to attract people.
"As well as the sailing club and powerboat centre there is the railway and it is also a popular location for walkers.
"To tidy up that area and bring it into use would hopefully bring even more in the way of tourists and maybe help the club attract more members."
Anyone interested in joining the committee should contact councillor Atkins on 07734 718398.
