Reform carry on Labour and Tory decline
Alex Jones, Cannock Chase resident, South East Staffs Socialist Party, and Liverpool Socialist Students
Cannock Chase Council has had plans to redevelop Cannock town centre since it was awarded £20 million government funding in 2021. The previous Labour council committed a further £17 million, and anticipated a further £7 million from the private sector.
With the government grant spent, where has it all gone? Half of a multistorey car park demolished, and the beloved Prince of Wales Theatre next on the chopping block, leaving a massive eyesore right in the middle of the historic market town.
Outrage
Residents are rightly outraged. On a Socialist Party campaign stall, we received an incredible amount of support.
Elderly residents are sick of seeing Cannock left in the dust, shop owners terrified for the future of the dying high street, and young people angry there is nowhere for them.
The current Reform council must answer to the people of Cannock. We campaign for the plans to be resumed, using the council’s £16 million reserves. That’s what a council that stands for the people would do, as Reform claims to be.
Austerity
We demand the money from Labour prime minister Andy Burham in order to pay for 16 years of Tory and Labour austerity that has destroyed our beloved town centre, and so many like it.
We need more facilities for youth, more investment by the council, and the relocation of our Prince of Wales theatre.
The old establishment parties have failed Cannock. And what has changed while Reform has been in control of the county and district councils? We need a new mass party to represent working-class communities like ours.
