A COUNCILLOR has welcomed efforts to develop the long-awaited Burntwood Masterplan “finally coming to fruition”.
An £80,000 report commissioned by Lichfield District Council has outlined proposals for the future of the town.
It includes efforts to develop an improved shopping centre at Sankey’s Corner.
Cllr Sue Woodward, leader of the Labour opposition group, said she was pleased to see action at last on the future of Burntwood.
She said:
“I have represented Chase Terrace for the best part of the last 30 years. My focus has always been on getting the best possible deal for our town, but it’s too long fallen on deaf ears.
“With the changes in control of Lichfield District Council, I realised that this was the opportunity we needed to realise a proper blueprint for Burntwood with a planned and structured approach to future development.
“We managed to get funding for the planning process and some capital funding to implement it and I couldn’t be happier that all of the efforts over the years are finally coming to fruition.”
Cllr Woodward will step down as leader of the Labour group this month, but said the collegiate approach was the only way to bring about change in Burntwood.
She said
“Others will jump on a bandwagon now and try to claim credit, but those who understand how local government works know that numerous factors need to come together to secure progress.
“I am grateful to the cabinet members and officers who have worked constructively in partnership to get this far.
“There is still much to be done but this is a huge step forward.”
