Traders seek town centre boost

Businesses could join forces to provide funds to help boost Stourbridge as a shopping town and get back customers.

A meeting will be held to get backing from traders to make Stourbridge town centre a Business Improvement District, or Bid.

Each firm which joined would pay a contribution on top of their normal rates which would help generate tens of thousands of pounds to promote the area, Chamber of Trade spokesman David Harcourt said.

This money, collected by Dudley Council, would be used for a host of improvements which would be decided by members who would draw up a list of priorities.

Members of the Chamber of Trade said the project could be very exciting for the town and they would be seeking advice from consultants about how to take the scheme forward.

A string of shops has closed down in Stourbridge since the start of 2007, including Cat's Whiskers ladies fashions and Desire jewellers.

Others set to shut include Stationery Box and Smart Casuals.

A huge refurbishment of the Crown Centre by leaseholders Modus is planned in the next couple of years but many traders would like to see improvements sooner to bring customers back.

Chris Icke, president of the Chamber of Trade, said: "The money would not be spent on normal maintenance items like roads."