'We have bled out' - Public meeting held to update residents on future of Cannock theatre and museum

He is continuing to support the campaign to try and save the Prince of Wales theatre in Cannock and the Museum of Cannock Chase, both of which could close at the end of April. 

The public raised a number of questions at the meeting on Friday evening, which was held at The Aquarius Ballroom in Hednesford, and got answers from Councillor Newbury, Sheila Brown, New Life founder and museum committee member, Andrew Moseley and Peter Sidgwick from the Cannock Chase Theatre Trust (CCTT). 

The main grievances were the lack of funding and the 'slow action' of the council, especially in light of digitalising the museums 36,000-strong artefact collection.  

MP Josh Newbury opened the meeting and addressed the fifty members of the public that turned out, saying that things had 'moved forwards' and it was now a good opportunity to give the public an update on the situation. 

He said he is continuing to raise his constituency's concerns about the future of the museum and the Prince of Wales theatre, and that he has asked the government how they will support smaller venues. 

A member of the public raised The Jennie Lee Fund, asking if it has 'any bearing on Cannock' as the former MP and Minister for the Arts was from the area. 

Councillor Newbury replied: "I am plugging away on those local connections as much as I can and will continue to. We should be shouting about the fact that we have just as much to offer as any city does, our venues are just underappreciated.

"The short answer is yes."