Posted on Tuesday 9th December 2025
Councillor Andrew Mynors, Cabinet Member for Connectivity at Staffordshire County Council, with Councillor Garry Samuels, Deputy Leader at Cannock Chase Council, at Festival Court.
A scheme to help reduce the risk of flooding to businesses and residents in Cannock has been completed.
The £353,000 scheme was delivered by Staffordshire County Council in conjunction with the Environment Agency, Cannock Chase District Council and the wider community.
The project at Festival Court, near the town centre, included new drainage and gullies, underground storage space to temporarily hold excess water and systems made from natural materials and vegetation to slow water flow.
Engineers also delivered a range of wider community benefits, including additional parking spaces, new disabled parking, improved pavements and a new bus stop.
The completed works support a community reliant on a small but vital commercial area of the town, including a pharmacy, convenience store, butchers, takeaway, hairdressers and the important SNAP building supporting SEND services.
Andrew Mynors, Cabinet Member for Connectivity at Staffordshire County Council, said:
“By working together with our partners, businesses and residents, we’ve been able to deliver an innovative scheme that will help reduce the risk of future flooding in a busy part of the town.
“While much of the work is hidden underground, the improvements above ground that include the parking spaces, improved footpaths, new bus shelter and the rear loading area bay have made a huge difference to the area.
“I’d like to thank everyone who helped with the design of the project and local shop managers and owners whose input was essential in getting the project completed as efficiently as possible.”
Councillor Maureen Freeman, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration and High Streets at Cannock Chase Council, said:
“This scheme is a great example of how partnership working can deliver real benefits for our community. I’m delighted that UKSPF funding has helped make these improvements possible. Festival Court is an important part of Cannock, and these works not only reduce the risk of flooding but also make the area safer and more welcoming for everyone who uses it.”
Wyn Mattoo, Nisa Manager at Festival Court, said:
"Festival Court had previously suffered severe flooding, causing disruption to businesses and difficulties for the community. Our shop experienced internal flooding, resulting in significant damage and financial loss.
“Since the improvements, recent rainfall events have shown a dramatic improvement in the drainage network and we’ve had no flooding to date. While we know extreme storms may still occur, the impact will now be much less.
“The overall look and feel of Festival Court have improved significantly and we are grateful to the team who carried out the works and the Flood Risk Team at Staffordshire County Council."
The project was joint funded, with £173,600 in National Grant Funding, £160,000 in Local Levy funding and an additional £20,000 from UKSPF to support connectivity improvements.