STOURBRIDGE'S MP and the manager of the Ryemarket shopping centre have pledged to work together on a series of initiatives to boost regeneration and retail in the town.

Conservative MP Suzanne Webb and Aaron Powell met recently to discuss the moves to make the town a Business Improvement District (BID) and to work on the Stourbridge Master Plan.

Both have been calling for investment in the town to improve footfall.

Stourbridge News: Aaron Powell and Suzanne Webb MP at The RyermarketAaron Powell and Suzanne Webb MP at The Ryermarket (Image: Suzanne Webb MP)

Suzanne said: “Both Aaron and I are on the same page when it comes to our desire to see investment into Stourbridge town centre and we will work together to make it happen.

“The council is due to start its consultation on the master plan later this year to gauge what local people want to see happen.

“But just as important is the BID and we both welcomed a feasibility study on this.

“Setting up a BID will give local businesses a strong voice over how we improve our shops and services and improve the area to attract more visitors.

“We also welcome the positive and decisive action by the police and council to tackle begging in Stourbridge after we both raised concerns. We will be monitoring the situation over the coming weeks.”

Aaron said: “I have been working closely with our local authority partners to progress some real investment and regeneration into Stourbridge.

“This is something Suzanne and I have been eager to see for some time now and I am confident she’ll continue pushing to ensure this is at the top of the agenda.

“This complements ongoing feasibility studies that are taking place to make Stourbridge a Business Improvement District. If successful, it will give local businesses a direct influence over the town, trade and environment and deliver positive changes for those who work, visit, and live in the town centre.”