STOURBRIDGE residents and business bosses have backed regeneration plans to try to attract more footfall and boost trade in the town centre, council chiefs have said after a consultation.

Proposed changes to the main gateways and public spaces in the town centre, to create more welcoming entrances to the town with improved landscaping and greenery, have been given the thumbs up - Dudley Council has said after analysing the results of a public consultation which was held at the start of the year.

Locals also gave the green light to plans to make the town easier to navigate for pedestrians and cyclists, as well as backing traffic calming measures to cut speeds and improve road safety.

Twice as many people said they preferred to cross Stourbridge ring road using the pedestrian crossings at surface level compared to using subways, and 42 per cent of people said they travel to the town by foot - with 37 per cent travelling by car.

Over 55 per cent of those who responded to the consultation supported the introduction of more disabled parking bays around the town centre.

Feedback also showed that improving the retail offer and staging more events and activities in the town were most likely to encourage people to visit more often.

Amblecote councillor Paul Bradley, deputy leader of Dudley Council, said: “Stourbridge is a growing town with a great deal of potential. We believe the proposals we’ve laid out will help to fulfil this promise, improving infrastructure for pedestrians and cyclists and creating more attractive public spaces.

“I’d like to thank those who took the time to share their views during the consultation period.

"The feedback gathered has been very helpful and I’m pleased to hear that residents and businesses have shown their support for our plans."

He added: “We will make sure local people’s opinions are taken into account at each step as we continue our work to make Stourbridge a better place to live, work and shop.”

Newly-elected Stourbridge Labour MP Cat Eccles, who is also a councillor for Stourbridge town, said: "Our town is well overdue a makeover and I very much welcome these plans. I think it will be beneficial for businesses and members of the public alike."

The results of the consultation, which received more than 800 responses, will now be used to shape Dudley Council’s plan to improve access for pedestrians and cyclists into and around Stourbridge town centre.

The project will be funded by the West Midlands City Regions Sustainable Transport Settlement (CRSTS) fund, which is held by the West Midlands Combined Authority.

Work is also continuing to develop a Business Improvement District (BID) for Stourbridge following a feasibility study to gauge support among traders.

If successful, the Stourbridge BID aims to support businesses, market the town and give businesses a joint voice, giving them the ability to directly influence positive improvements for the town to attract more visitors.

People can find out more about the planned Stourbridge BID by going online to www.ryemarketshoppingcentre.co.uk/stourbridgeBID.