Dozens of murals to be installed at Cannock station

Dozens of murals depicting the beauty of Cannock Chase are being installed at the town's railway station as part of a major improvement scheme.

The project, being run by Cannock Chase District Council and supported by West Midlands Railway, is being carried out ahead of the opening of a major new shopping facility at nearby Mill Green.

The new McArthurGlen Designer Outlet is expected to open in the next few months and is predicted to drive an increase in passenger numbers once lockdown travel restrictions have ended.

More than 80 images taken by local photographers Anthony Dunn and Michelle Williams will be placed across the station's two platforms and access walkways over coming weeks. Artwork from community groups and local schools will also be displayed.

The works are being funded through an agreement as part of McArthurGlen's planning application. Partners involved in the work include the district council, county council, West Midlands Stations Alliance and the wider rail industry.

Meanwhile, the station car park is being closed for resurfacing for one week.

Cannock Chase District Council portfolio holder for economic development and planning, councillor Tony Johnson, said: “With many more people expected to use Cannock station in the coming years as the district grows and the designer outlet takes shape, it is important we have an improved public transport gateway. This short-term measure is part of ambitious plans to develop the overall station facilities at Cannock."

Brenda Lawrence, head of stations for West Midlands Railway, said: “These welcome improvements will greatly enhance the station environment and improve the travelling experience for our customers. Train services will operate as normal throughout the project and I would like to thank our passengers for their patience while we work with our partners to carry out these environmental improvements. ”

The works are permitted as part of the current national lockdown and work will be conducted in a Covid secure manner, following all Government guidelines.

Pictured: How the murals in Cannock station will look