Temporary traffic lights were installed outside the KFC outlet on Old Hednesford Road last week, after a manhole cover collapsed. Council engineers inspected the site and determined the structure unsafe for vehicles. For public safety, lights are now regulating traffic flow until essential works begin tomorrow, Tuesday 2nd of February. Repairs to rebuild and resurface the manhole will commence tomorrow and are scheduled to finish by Wednesday evening, when the signals will be

West Midlands Railway Transitions to Public Ownership in Major Step for UK's Rail Reform Birmingham, 1 February 2026  — Commuters and passengers across the West Midlands and beyond woke up today to a significant change on their rail networks: West Midlands Railway (WMR), along with its sister brand London Northwestern Railway (LNR), has officially transferred into public ownership. The move, effective from Sunday 1 February 2026, sees services previously operated by West Midl

Works in Cannock Chase and the surrounding area over the next 2 weeks – 1 st February 2026 – Unless specified otherwise, all listed dates are in February   ⛔️ Watling Street (A5), Bridgtown – Night Closures (9:00 pm until 6:00 am) from the 3 rd  of February until the 11 th  of February. Closed between Eastern Way (Orbital Islands) and Poplar Lane (Four Crosses). This closure is by Highways England for Maintenance Works. ⛔️ Hickling Road, Norton Canes – Closure between Norton

Government Greenlights Election Postponements Amid Sweeping Local Government Overhaul In a significant shake up to England’s local governance landscape, the government has approved requests from 29 councils to delay their May 2026 elections, allowing them to concentrate on a major reorganisation programme aimed at dismantling the inefficient two tier system. This reform, described by officials as a once in a generation opportunity, seeks to consolidate overlapping authorities

Cannock Chase District Council Full Council Meeting Blocks Theatre Demolition Funds In a dramatic turn at Cannock Chase District Council’s Full Council meeting, councillors rejected a key recommendation that would have reallocated capital funds for the ongoing Cannock Town Centre Regeneration Programme. The proposal, stemming from the Cabinet meeting on 4 December 2025, sought to adjust budget allocations for works outlined in the associated report, including steps that would

Cannock Chase District Council Leader Cllr Steve Thornley has formally asked central government to postpone the May 2026 local elections, citing major operational pressures from high service demands, staff shortages, complex projects and the extra workload from Local Government Reorganisation in Staffordshire. The request follows a letter from the Minister of State for Local Government and Homelessness seeking views on whether deferring the polls would free up capacity for re

Cannock Chase District Council is facing growing criticism after concerns were raised about its approach to the future of the town’s theatre, despite having secured £20 million in Levelling Up funding for Cannock Town Centre. The upgrade of the theatre, currently costed at around £2.5 million, had originally formed part of the bid that helped secure the government investment, yet councillors clashed over whether the venue should demolished. During tonights meeting, councillor