Cannock Chase Council is proposing the closure of the Museum of Cannock Chase by April 2025, as part of proposed budgets cuts for 2025/2026.

The Museum of Cannock Chase first opened in 1989 on the site of the former Valley Pit, a training pit for young coal miners. It covers the history of the Cannock Chase area across four galleries and also hosts a number of temporary exhibitions throughout the year. Although council-owned, it is operated by the charity Inspiring Healthy Lifestyles (IHL), who run several other cultural venues for the council.

The Council’s proposals follow an independent review of leisure, heritage, and culture services. It surveyed the condition of the Musuem of Cannock Chase buildings managed by the charity before the recommendation of closure was announced.

The council is now seeking views from locals on the proposed changes. It said in a statement: “Like many councils across the country, we’re facing rising costs and growing demand for services. Despite years of careful financial management and savings, the Council is forecasting a budget shortfall of £1.3 million for 2025/26. To address this, we need to review our current services and make some difficult decisions.”

The Council announced in 2023 plans to potentially move the museum on cost grounds: https://www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk/council/news/articles/statement-future-museum-cannock-chase