were powers to build from Walsall to Cannock, which was becoming an important centre of extractive industry. The SSR did not progress this work at the time, but got an extension of time in 1854. In addition a three mile branch line was now authorised from near Pelsall on the SSR Lichfield line, to Norton Canes. Although the engineering of the line was relatively simple, there was a problem over the lack of a turntable at the Cannock terminus that resulted in a delay to the opening of the line, until 31 January 1858. The Norton Canes branch opened on the same day. Cannock Mineral Railway A prospective railway company called the Derbyshire, Staffordshire and Worcestershire Junction Railway had tried to get Parliamentary authority to build from Uttoxeter to Dudley, connecting Manchester in to its network as well by means of running powers. It had been rebuffed, but in the 1847 session a more modest scheme was authorised, from the North Staffordshire Railway at Uttoxeter to Cannock, making an end-on connection with the (proposed) SSR line there. Several years passed without much progress, largely due to failure to generate share subscriptions, and attempts to bring one of the large railway companies on board as a financial sponsor were also fruitless. A further reduction in scope was necessary, and the title of the Cannock Mineral Railway (CMR) was adopted. Further prevarication followed until in June 1857 the LNWR appeared as guarantor. The line was finally built, between Cannock and Rugeley only, opening on 2 November 1859; it was worked by the LNWR. Norton branch A colliery line was opened on 1 February 1858 from Norton Junction to Norton Crossing Junction, a distance of miles.<ref name = yate2-31>Bob Yate, The South Staffordshire Railway: volume two: Walsall to Cannock", Oakwood Press, Usk, 2011, ISBN 978 0 85361 717 4, pages 31 and 33</ref> Cannock Chase Railway The Cannock Chase Railway was authorised in 1860 to provide a link between the Cannock Mineral Railway and the Marquis of Anglesey's colliery interests. It ran east from Hednesford to Rawnsley, with a spur to Heathy Leasows to connect with the Littleworth Tramway. The Cannock Chase Railway was opened on 7 October 1862, and was worked by the collieries themselves. Norton branch extension railway A continuation of the Norton branch from Norton Crossing Junction opened on 25 April 1879. The line continued to East Cannock Junction on