Housing scheme is unveiled

A multi-million pound business and housing centre creating jobs and homes has been unveiled for Bewdley, marking the biggest development in the town for decades.

Bewdley Development Trust plans to acquire the rundown craft centre, Red Cross building and WRVS centre in Lax Lane.

Bosses then hope to fund the building of around a dozen affordable homes, business units and sheltered accommodation homes on the three sites.

The trust has already secured £100,000 of funding from the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation in London and hopes to secure 80 per cent of the capital through grants. And it wants financial backing from Wyre Forest Community Housing, Worcestershire County Council and Advantage West Midlands.

The plans were unveiled at a meeting attended by 35 residents at the Red Cross building.

The trust aims to bring economic prosperity back into the town and make homes more affordable for young people. It is hoped the dozen business units will create new jobs and encourage young entrepreneurs to stay in the town.

The scheme would incorporate the nearby vacant WRVS building to provide homes for the over-55s.