A COUNCIL leader says efforts to enhance Burntwood over the past year have been “nothing short of extraordinary”.
Cllr Darren Ennis highlighted work to purchase and convert the former Chase Terrace Methodist Church into a new community centre, the installation of new bike racks and the allocations of thousands of pounds of funding for local community groups.
The Burntwood Town Council leader said he was proud to see the authority also working with the Lichfield Garrick to deliver funded youth theatre groups, as well as offering free events such as the Burntwood Wakes and Play in the Parks events.
He also highlighted the work of the Burntwood Response and Repair Team and partnerships with Lichfield District Council to deliver a new skate park and efforts to introduce Burntwood Pride and a series of dementia awareness activities.
Cllr Ennis said:
“It never ceases to amaze me how Burntwood consistently punches above its weight, powered by our indomitable community spirit and the fact that it’s simply an amazing place to live.
“The achievements of 2024 are nothing short of extraordinary. From ambitious projects to heartfelt community events, we’ve truly made a difference.
“These achievements are a testament to the dedication, collaboration and unwavering support from everyone involved, no matter the role they’ve played.
“Together, we’ve shown what Burntwood can achieve when we work as one.
“Thank you to everyone involved from the bottom of my heart. Now, let’s charge into 2025 with the same passion, determination and belief that we can make Burntwood even better.”
Who is he kidding? Not me. Burntwood is an eyesore. If he can’t see that then he isn’t in the right job. A few bike racks and an adhoc bric a-brac market isn’t the extraordinary achievement he seems to suggest it is.
Is he blind or are they planning to demolish it? This guy needs a dose of reality.
Sorry. I fail to see anything extraordinary has happened to Burntwood. Burntwood Town is stagnated and depressive.
A 20 year plus closed Pub. Guttering spewing rainwater . Weeds ,broken benches etc. etc. and struggling businesses is not a success story. It is an area declining into further decay. How does it warrant Town Status, skate park ? Proposed pride March, ! Pipe Dreams
Maybe a more comprehensive list would help? ..and we should be proud of what a small parish council has achieved.
• Purchased Chase Terrace Methodist Church to convert into a community hub
• Secured £180,000 of Government funding for renovations
• Installed bike racks to encourage cycling over driving
• Provided thousands of £ to community groups
• Funded free youth theatre groups at local secondary schools with the Lichfield Garrick
• Continued monthly markets at Sankey’s Corner
• Organised the free Burntwood Wakes Festival and Play in the Parks events, distributing over 3,000 free meals
• Introduced Burntwood Pride and partnered with Lichfield Grub Club
• Presented Student Awards, granting £1,000 to exceptional local young people
• Hosted dementia awareness events
• Supported installation of additional defibrillators around town
• Partnered with Lichfield District Council to plan a new skate park
• Initiated wildflower planting
• Hosted Christmas tree light switch-ons
Burntwood shopping centre is an absolute disgrace, very run down and neglected. Across from there is an overgrown waste land which has been left for many years. Perhaps we should all club together and buy Mr Ennis a guide dog and white stick!!
@May – Burntwood Town Council and local councillors has repeatedly attempted to get The Oak (formerly Bill Stickers / The Troupedor) at Sankey Corner renovated and reopened. In 2023 we got as far as a funded plan, using £250k of UK Shared Prosperity Fund money, but the current tenant (Molson Coors Brewery) pulled out at the last minute. Unfortunately, until recently, there was nothing anyone could do if Molson Coors didn’t want to sublet the unit.
This year, however, a new Govt. act allows district councils to force the owners of empty high street units to lease the property, and Burntwood councillors are encouraging Lichfield District Council to use this power to bring The Oak back into use.
Sankeys corner looks the same as it was 25 years ago run down in desperate need of renovation and investment. Burntwood forever the poor relation of Lichfield, get real councillor!