FOCUS continues, inevitably, on the economy. There is more and more good news coming and the latest inflation numbers (up just 1.9% for January) is yet another signal that things, whilst not necessarily giving the excuse to get out the bunting and champagne, are on the right direction.

But it is all very well to look to the national picture, But what is happening locally in Wyre Forest?

Unemployment has dropped by a quarter since 2010, a key indicator, and more businesses are starting up.

Last week, we heard that Morgan Technical Ceramics was to locate its global centre of materials excellence in Stourport, beating off bids from California and Shanghai. Instrumental in that decision was a call I organised from George Osborne to the managing director of Morgan to demonstrate strong commitment to their aspirations. The result: 40 new high value jobs coming to Stourport, and the possible start of a high value materials manufacturing hub.

We are seeing commitment to the district from companies like Henderson Global Investors, who will completely reshape Kidderminster’s town centre with the Bull Ring redevelopment. Bewdley is seeing new investment into a new medical centre and the safari park is proposing to build a 250-room conference centre and water park. Stourport has the redevelopment of the canal basins/marina.

This week Wyre Forest District Council announced house-building figures. Over 300 new houses have been completed in the last year, topping house building since 2007.

There are more coming, with a total of 223 at Clensmore, 250 at the sugar beet site, 98 at the Morgan Ceramics site in Stourport and 41 at the neighbouring Lucy Baldwin site. In Blakedown there are 49 homes being developed. 30 more empty homes are brought back into use and there are a number of smaller developments going on across the district. Some are in the 300 completions numbers and of these well over 100 are classified as affordable.

This investment is not the sign of a district in economic trouble. These projects are far and away private sector investment and this demonstrates a confidence in the district not seen for many years.

Despite the very encouraging signs, there is no complacency. This recovery has come as a result of hard work by businesses as well as the council. It is vital that it is built on – literally.

CONTACT YOUR MP

  • Email: mark.garnier.mp@parliament.uk
  • Telephone: 020 7219 7198 or 01562 746771
  • Write: 9a Lower Mill Street, Kidderminster, DY11 6UU, or House of Commons, Westminster, London