Broken boardwalk 'hindering businesses in Rugeley town centre'
An "eyesore" broken boardwalk is hampering businesses in the town centre, opposition councillors have claimed.
Conservative councillors have written to the leader of Cannock Chase District Council, George Adamson, urging him to act and reopen the boardwalk.
The boardwalk, which links Brook Square and Albion Street, was closed in October last year after part of it collapsed.
Parts of the supporting structure were then found to have rotted or been eroded by water when the area was stripped down in November.
Since then it has been blocked off by boarding and scaffolding.
The letter has been signed by leader of the opposition in Cannock Chase Olivia Lyons and fellow Conservative councillors Justin Johnson, Paul Startin, Anthony Boucker, Mike Sutherland and Robert Hughes.
It says: "As Rugeley councillors, and with the full support of Councillor Phil Hewitt, town centre regeneration shadow portfolio leader, we are writing to request that the boardwalk in Rugeley town centre be repaired as a priority.
"The boardwalk provides a vital walkway linking Brook Square to Albion Street.
"Its closure has not only created an eyesore which blights our town centre, but it is greatly affecting footfall and adversely affecting local businesses and traders.
"We understand that the results of a structural survey were received by cabinet in January 2019 but, to our knowledge, no date has yet been set for restoration to begin.
"The closure of the area is negatively impacting upon both the residents of Rugeley and any visitors to the town.
"We urge that a swift plan of action be devised, and repair work be undertaken as soon as possible.
"The residents of Rugeley have already been expected to wait for far too long and your urgent attention would be greatly appreciated."
Councilor George Adamson, leader of the council said: “Rugeley boardwalk is currently closed on health and safety grounds.
"Officers have been instructed to take necessary steps to make the site safe and to commission work to identify future options for the site, including the potential for a replacement scheme.
"All options would need to be presented to cabinet.”
