West Bromwich in bid over £1m Mary Portas cash

Traders in West Bromwich have confirmed they are bidding for a share in a £1 million Government scheme set up by retail guru Mary Portas.

The town is vying to become of one of 12 towns to trial recommendations from Portas and earn a slice of £1 million to boost trade.

Each of the 12 towns could receive up to £100,000 of the funding.

Mel Glasby, chair of the West Bromwich Town Centre Partnership said: "We think we stand a good chance of being one of the Portas pilot towns because West Bromwich's turnaround in fortunes will be so remarkable. It's about rebuilding a community."

Wolverhampton, Dudley, Walsall and Bearwood have also applied for a share of the cash.