Brintons to quit historic town site

One of Kidderminster's renowned carpet firms aims to move out of the base it has occupied for more than 100 years under plans to turn the site into shops and flats.

Brintons carpets has had offices at Exchange Street in the centre of town since the mid 19th century.

However the major Kidderminster firm has now applied for planning permission to use the listed building for four shops and 60 pensioners' homes.

Brintons boss Harry Reilly said the firm was looking for another headquarters. Most of the staff work at the firm's other base in Stourport Road.

He said: "There used to be more than 200 people here but now there are 40. We have applied for planning permission to redevelop the site but there is a long way to go yet.

"When people want to visit us car parking is a problem in our current location. What was good for us many years ago is not the same now."

Brintons first opened in Exchnage Street in the mid 19th century.

The proposed development would involve retaining the existing listed building. Above the four shops would be a residential extra care home for the elderly made up of 60 one and two bed homes. There would be 13 car parking spaces which would be in an existing courtyard area.