Residents volunteer to help reopen information hut in Cannock Chase
Robert Stanley has been trying to get the Information Hut brought back into proper use to prevent it falling into disrepair
A Milford resident is rounding up volunteers to man and make use of a hut to prevent it from becoming an eyesore.
Robert Stanley, pictured above, who has lived there for the last eleven years, put forward several ideas to Berkswich Parish Council regarding improvement of the Information Hut at Milford, Staffordshire.
He explained: “My proposal was that by putting it back in use for the benefit of both locals and visitors, it would prevent it from falling into disrepair and at the same time create a point of interest and history for the area.”
At the January Parish Meeting it was agreed that this project would only be successful if sufficient volunteers come forward. Unless this happens, it is likely the hut will remain closed.
Robert along with several other residents already look after the Milford Common car park and local parts of The Chase - opening and locking the gates at the appropriate times to prevent vandalism, fly tipping and general anti-social behaviour.
They also carry out litter picking activity and link with the police, the rangers and the local Parish Council.
During lockdown, several local residents utilised the Information Hut to offer local support in the form of face masks, library books, produce and other items.
Robert has long been trying to get this hut brought back into proper use to prevent it falling into disrepair and ensuring that locals and visitors alike are made aware and educated in the importance of the Common and Chase environment - showing the effects of littering, deer worrying, fly-tipping, anti-social behaviour and more.
He said: “We have currently managed to recruit twelve volunteers and will be working with the local Parish and Borough Council to ensure we open the hut around Easter at weekends.
“If you are prepared to offer help, please email me at brocton20@hotmail.com. Once we see the level of support for the proposal, we can decide whether it is viable.”
If the proposal goes ahead the initial plan would be to open during Spring 2022, at weekends and during the school summer holidays.
A core group of committed volunteers would be needed to give up a few hours on a rota basis to staff the hut.
Robert foresees opening times of 10am–4pm every Saturday and Sunday, plus select days during summer holidays, with two shifts of two people doing three hours each.
