Exciting times ahead for Stourport

12:20pm Thursday 24th July 2008

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NOW is a great time for Stourport and the beginning of a turnaround in its fortunes, according to the chairman of the relaunched Stourport Town Centre Forum.

Derek Fradgley said the £3.5 million regeneration work carried out in the basins by the Market Towns Initiative and Stourport Forward was starting to have a knock-on effect in the town centre.

He added the forum would work with local businesses, organisations and residents to “maximise” all possible benefits for the area.

Mr Fradgley said: “The regeneration work has brought a lot of confidence back into the town and will start to bring quality tourism into the area.

“It has also created a general feeling of wellbeing. People are feeling like they are part of a successful town again – not one that had become increasingly run down.

“This is a great time for Stourport. There has been a lot of pain, roadworks and interruption to trade but that is all behind us now.”

Mr Fradgley said new businesses were being attracted to the town centre, such as the clothing store, M&Co, in Lombard Street.

He added that the Swan Hotel had recently changed hands and now looked “splendid” again after a fresh coat of paint.

The Buftons Mall site, empty and boarded up since 1996, could now reopen, after having its hoardings removed and new window frames installed.

Mr Fradgley said that the developments were signs of “things to come” and the town centre forum would be working hard to build on the successes the town was currently enjoying.

He added that grants were also available for shopkeepers to improve their frontages and contribute to the turnaround of the town’s appearance.

“There has never been a better time to for us to ensure that Stourport gives the very best facilities to attract customers,” he said.

“This will create long-term employment and business opportunities that will benefit everyone.”

Steve Singleton, economic development and tourism manager for Wyre Forest District Council, added: "The council welcomes the opportunity to support the relaunch of Stourport Town Centre Forum and looks forward to working with partners to establish a functional, fit for purpose body to continue the regeneration of the town."