Time to map out a plan for Villa's future
- Says blogger Matthew Turvey
Saddle firm can expand business
Wednesday 29th October 2008, 10:13AM GMT.
An award-winning Walsall saddlemakers’ future in the town has been saved – after planners gave bosses permission to expand the firm and double its jobs.
Bosses had warned that Patrick Saddlery could be forced to move out of the town if its expansion plans were thrown out.
An application to demolish garages and build a new two-storey workshop at the site, on the corner of Box Street and Bank Street, had been recommended for refusal by planning officers who claimed it would be out of keeping with the rest of the street. But councillors at last night’s development control committee meeting approved the application to show support for small businesses.
Company boss Patrick Keane, said the firm had been offered big workloads from America but needed bigger premises to cope with the demand.
Speaking after the meeting, Mr Keane said: “The saddle trade is like any other trade at the moment and it’s going through hard times.”
Business Awards
Read the full story here
Full coverage of awards celebrating the region's best businesses.
Lifestyle
Interactive Dining Out map
Hundreds of reviews by the Express & Star and Shropshire Star's teams to help you decide where to eat.
LIVE traffic updates
Road, rail and airport - latest
Our new, live traffic and travel updates service - check before you set out.
OUR NEW APP
Get the new E&S app
Download the Express & Star’s new app to your iPad or iPhone to get one week of access to our digital newspapers absolutely FREE.