Despite a government funding deal to completely revamp the Prince of Wales Theatre, Cannock Chase District Council has decided to not just scrap the revamp but to mothball the theatre while also closing the Museum of Cannock Chase at the same time.
The council argues that it will be £350,000 well saved so it can prioritise in other areas to ensure the council stays afloat.
Council Leader, Tony Johnson ‘Nobody wants to be in this position… But alternatives, such as inflation busting taxes that would hit every household, including those already struggling to make ends meet, or reducing or cutting services which many residents and businesses rely on, is not one we want to contemplate.’
The savings amount to less than £3 for every residents the council serves and incorrectly suggest that cutting these services will have no impact to the local services.
A freedom of information request has been submitted to the council to find out whose expert advice has been acted on, as well as the cost of the review process.
It is not yet known if the decision was impacted by the likely packaging up of leisure and culture services across Cannock Chase and neighbouring Stafford Borough Council when Stafford’s 10 year contract goes up for re-tender, which is expected to begin within the next two years .
While the council has promised to work with community groups to find them other local venues. With the nearest venue being in Stafford, or Lichfield, it’s clear that the move will cause fundamental and irreversible harm to the local community who use that venue while also culling a community museum that should be enticing tourists into the local area.
If you wish to sign the petition to show your support, you can do that here https://chng.it/MG4YkB744m
The Theatre Twittic 
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