Dudley councillor calls for town centre manager to revive ailing town

A councillor is calling for Dudley to bring back the role of town centre manager, as part of a plan to revive the ailing town.

Councillor Keiran Casey has tabled a motion to tonight’s meeting of Dudley Council calling on the cabinet to draw up a formal strategy for the rejuvenation of the town, and for a manager to be put in charge of improving the cleanliness of the town, organising events, and promoting civic pride.

The post of Dudley town centre manager was scrapped 10 years ago amid a programme of budget cuts.

Councillor Casey called for the cabinet to develop and publish a comprehensive strategy for the renewal of all town centres and markets in the borough, initially focusing on Dudley town centre and market.

He said the report should align with the Government's ambitions for town centre regeneration, neighbourhood renewal and economic growth, and ensure all town, and local centres across the borough benefited from appropriate investment, support and regeneration opportunities.

He also called on the council to work with police to tackle anti-social behaviour, shoplifting, vandalism and street-drinking through visible neighbourhood policing and crime-prevention initiatives, with effective law enforcement.

Councillor Casey also called on the council to accelerate work towards the development of Business Improvement Districts (Bids) and other partnership models that bring together businesses, the council and other interested parties, to encourage investment.

He cited the successful Bid in Halesowen as an example of good practice which could be replicated in other towns and cities.

Councillor Casey also called for plans to reduce the number of long-term vacant units, including incentives for independent businesses and social enterprises, as well as short-term uses, such as cultural and creative events..

He also called for greater use of planning and compulsory-purchase powers, and asked for a revival plan for Dudley market, “ensuring it once again becomes a vibrant destination through improved maintenance, trader support and different types of markets”.

He also called for more efforts to connect and promote Dudley town centre with the borough's major heritage, tourism and cultural attractions, including the Black Country Living Museum, Dudley Zoo and Castle, Dudley Canal Trust, and other museums, parks and green spaces.

“This could be done through better signs, transport links, walking routes, events and coordinated tourism promotion, while also supporting tourism and place-promotion initiatives in other town and local centres across the borough,” he said.

He also suggested a ‘pride in our towns’ campaign celebrating the borough's history, culture, people and identity, encouraging residents, businesses and community organisations to play a role in increasing civic pride.