Children 'should have say' over Rugeley's future after power station demolished
Every child in Rugeley will be able to have their say on the masterplan for the power station which will change the face of the town.
Campaign group Power for All is going into every school to get feedback from the youngsters – as they will be the the ones using the site in the future.
The news comes after the first stages of the demolition of the former power station have taken place, while the other main structures, including boiler house, chimney and cooling towers are scheduled for controlled collapse through 2020 and the complete demolition of the site is expected in 2021.
And the masterplan to transform the site into 2,300 homes, housing for the elderly, commercial buildings and a primary school has been backed by councillors.
More green spaces and parks was one of the biggest issues raised by the children so far, a spokeswoman for the group said.
She added: "We've been in four schools so far and we're in the process of going into all schools.
"We've been asking the children what they want to see in Rugeley and the surrounding area.
"We've set the scene saying to them that the towers are coming down and the town is going to change.
"We've been leaving work sheets for them to do and they drew images of what they would like to see.
"Their ideas varied drastically from park areas, green spaces, to cinemas and more.
"They also mentioned medical facilities, they are aware of the urgency even at that age.
"We did get a few that wanted Alton Towers on their door step too but a large proportion of them were looking at sensible things.
"The power station site will take up to 20 years, so if you think a five-year-old will be 25 by the time it's all finished."
The latest Power for All meeting was held on Monday, and about 60 residents joined to discuss the plans for the town.
And next month the second initiative will begin, Totally Locally, where businesses can offer something for a £5 deal.
