Bunting brightens up Stourbridge as new BID manager outlines ambitions for the town

Ben Thompson has taken on the role of Stourbridge BID manager and he’s hoping to make some strides in restoring the town to its former glory.

The new red, white and blue bunting, which has been strung up in both upper and lower high streets and Market Street, will be an all-year-round feature and was installed just in time for VJ Day celebrations on Friday (August 15).

He said: “It just sets the scene - especially at this time of year - makes it more welcoming.

“It’ll be interesting to see the public’s reaction.”

The bunting is just the first step in making the town look more attractive following the formation of the Stourbridge BID (Business Improvement District) which came into effect on April 1 after 77 per cent of town centre businesses voted for the initiative which will see around £835,000 generated over the next five years, from a levy imposed on businesses on top of existing business rates.

Ben also hopes to try to secure funding through various streams to help pay for the sprucing up of shop fronts and to improve the look of the high street as well as bring some artwork into the town.

An application for grant funding has already been submitted for UK Shared Prosperity Fund and news on whether it has been successful is expected in September.

Also on the agenda is improving the events offering in the town going forwards.

There are plans for a Halloween trail around the town and for an improved Christmas lights switch on event with new lights, more entertainment and maybe even a celebrity switch-on.

He also hopes to start a litter picking initiative and to host business networking events.

Ben, who grew up in and around Stourbridge, said he’s working on “small wins” to start with but he added: “They start to add up.

“My hope is to return the town to its former glory, to try to get vacant units occupied and build that sense of community.”