A Staffordshire County Councillor has this week criticised his Borough colleagues after a community orchard planned for Gnosall looks set to be rejected.

Gnosall County Councillor Barry Stamp said he was disappointed that despite all the hard work done by the village's LA21 Group the future of the orchard planned for Manor Road was now uncertain.

"Over the past few months Gnosall's LA 21 Group have been working tirelessly to establish a community orchard in the village, which could be enjoyed by all local residents. After investigating a number of sites the group settled on the old play area in Manor Road which is owned by the Borough Council. Having gained the support of the Parish Council for this venture the group carried out a consultation exercise with people living near by. I was also approached to provide funding as part of my County Council's Local Members Initiative Scheme. However it now seems the whole project could fail as the Borough Councillors for Gnosall have objected. This means the orchard may never go ahead," said Cllr Stamp.

"It is great pity that so much work was allowed to be put into this project before these objections were raised. A community orchard in Gnosall would be beneficial for the whole village and would ensure the green open space in Manor Road was protected. I do hope the objectors will have second thoughts and allow this project to go ahead," added Cllr Stamp