Funding needed to save Cannock Chase Christmas lights

Cannock Chase District Council has been told by one of the groups potentially affected, Hednesford Town Council, that it is 'likely to be receptive towards making up any shortfall' to provide the lights in 2017/18 – even though it faces losing money.

That is ahead of a consultation which could see the district council taking away £34,290 for the lights once they have been used this winter across 15 wards.

Cannock Chase's community and town councils have also been told they also risk losing nearly £77,970 next year in grants. Those proposals mean they could lose a total of £112,260.

They are included as two cost-saving solutions in a letter seen by the Express & Star, written by Cannock Chase's managing director Tony McGovern.

Loss

The district council has said it needs to save money because the premature closure of Rugeley Power Station and the loss of expected business rates.

While Mr McGovern acknowledges the moves would be 'unwelcome', he notes councils have the ability to raise their own funds through council tax.

He also stated there are 'obviously political and public implications' if the Christmas lights and grant funding cuts go ahead.

Both options will go to a public consultation at the end of the year.

The district council has offered to donate Christmas lights, which they own, to parish and community councils – but those groups would then be responsible for putting them up and their maintenance.

Councillor George Adamson, the leader of Cannock Chase District Council, said: "We have a funding gap between now and the opening of Mill Green after losing the business rates from Rugeley Power Station.

"In this consultation people will be able to say what they think they can afford to lose and what has to stay."

"Among the proposals is to stop the grants for town and parish councils and for the Christmas lights.

"With us knowing about the Rugeley Power Station closure we were able to build up our reserves and use them to secure the services for this year. None of these savings will come into force until next April."

Hednesford Town Council said while it sees any withdrawal of funding as 'extremely regrettable', it could still be willing to provide funds for them in the future.

Rugeley Town Council would stand to lose most from the proposals. It is earmarked to lose £34,368 if the proposals are accepted.

Hednesford Town Council could lose £17,734 and Brereton and Ravenhill Parish Council £8,435.

While Norton Canes Parish faces cuts of £7,987, Heath Hayes and Wimblebury Parish Council £6,598 and Bridgtown Parish Council could lose £1,428.

Cannock Wood and Brindley Heath Parish Councils would lose £769 and £651 respectively if the move gets the green light.

Parish and community councils were given an extended period, which finished on Wednesday, to give their views.