Top hotels interested in area

As many as five hotel chains are believed to be clamouring to take space in the Wyre Forest to captialise on the world-class attractions of the area.

The news is expected to boost the hopes of tourism chiefs and civic leaders who want to persuade more people to visit the area and stay for several days.

Councillors are hoping to boost the economy of local towns by luring visitors from the Severn Valley Railway, which runs between Kidderminster and Bridgnorth, and the West Midland Safari and Leisure Park at Bewdley, to linger longer.

Only days ago it was announced that Debenhams and a hotel aimed to move into Slingfield Mill on the Weavers Wharf Retail Park subject to planning permissions.

A hotel and pub are also proposed for a redevelopment planned for land on the junction of Chester Road South and Spennells Valley Road in Kidderminster.

But so far civic leaders are remaining tight-lipped about any of the names of hotel chains that have made approaches.

Wyre Forest council leader councillor John Campion said: "Our economic unit receives confidential inquiries and I can confirm that recently this has been hotel orientated."