Town counts cost of delay

Delays over a £38 million redevelopment of the Worcester Street area of Kidderminster are stifling the town's economy, licensees claimed.

Members of Kidderminster Licensee Association have now called for action to develop the area, and Wyre Forest MP Dr Richard Taylor is calling for a timetable of work on the project to be released.

A two-month delay on the project has been blamed on a buyout by Barratts of David Wilson Homes, the holding company for Wilson Bowden.

But today Wyre Forest District Council leader Councillor John Campion said Wilson Bowden, as a wholly owned subsidiary, was still spearheading the development and that he was "confident the project would be opened in 2009".

Kate Moore, chairman of the association, raised concern about delays at the licensees meeting at the Railway Bell last night.

She said Kidderminster seemed to be in "noticeable economic decline in both the day and night-time".

Dr Taylor said there were "trendy plans" for different areas but the trouble was that they were "just plans".

He said that the change of ownership of the Weavers Wharf shopping complex had held up moves to promote the town.

He said he would be attending various meetings on how to bolster the economy and would call for a work programme so that people knew the timescale involved for the plans reaching fruition.

Councillor Campion said: "We are redeveloping a large portion of the town. The council is here as a catalyst.

"It is not a straightforward sell-and-build because there are social projects involved such as the plans for the cinema.

"We have had to ensure we get the balance right.

"The sale has been delayed for a few months."