Group pledges support for controversial Cannock Chase parking plan
An online group set up for nature enthusiasts has pledged its support for a £7 million plan to close car parks, introduce parking charges and manage Cannock Chase over the coming years.
For the Love of Cannock Chase is a Facebook group which was founded in June.
It comes after proposals were put out to consultation for 35 parking areas to be closed and charges applied at another 11 at the site.
Officials say the move is designed to protect wildlife and habitats across the Chase, but critics say it will put some people off visiting the beauty spot.
Now Ann Elphick, co-founder of For the Love of Cannock Chase, has backed the plans and said that the Chase cannot cope with an "infinite amount of people without damaging the habitat".
She said: "There have been untrue claims made regarding proposals for parking on Cannock Chase and we would like to set the record straight.
"Recently it was claimed residents will have to spend upwards of £5 a day or avoid accessing many acres of Cannock Chase, this will have put undue worry into people's minds.
"We completed a Q&A with Staffordshire County Council which said there would be some car parking charges but confirmed there would be an affordable annual pass.
"Marquis Drive was an example: £1 for up to two hours or £3 all day but it includes an annual permit option of £36 per year for regular site users which significantly reduces the price.
"Funds generated being reinvested in the site and its management through the ranger service, including infrastructure, visitor facilities, land management and litter etc.
"The proposal also states there will still be 51 free car parking locations.
Pressure
"It has been widely reported that SCC is spending £7.8m solely on car parks, which is incorrect. The figure of £7.8m is the estimated total spend for the next 20 years, which doesn’t come from taxpayers pockets, but from a new housing developer contribution levy.
"The Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) proposal states the estimated total budget for car parks is £467,950 with an annual estimate to maintain the car parks of £25,115.
"The £7.8m fund covers much more than car parks, such as staffing, conservation teams, new signage, education, improvements to footpaths and the visitor centre.
"Lastly, it's been claimed that Staffordshire County Council wants to stop us from visiting the places we love. Again, this is untrue.
"While there are plans to funnel some visitors into areas such as Marquis Drive, the intention is to give people the kind of experience they want.
"Some visitors who are unfamiliar with the area want good amenities such as a visitor centre, cafe, education and marked walks. Marquis Drive ticks all the boxes for this. People who are interested in birdwatching, wildlife, horse riding or biking, can enjoy areas best for them while adhering to the rules of the reserve.
"As population rises, so does the pressure on the Chase. It is not rational to think that the Chase – which is already under too much pressure – can continue to accommodate an infinite amount of people, without damaging the habitat and causing further decline in biodiversity.
"We would like to invite people who want to protect Cannock Chase, and its wildlife to follow our page on Facebook 'For the Love of Cannock Chase."
