FACILITIES currently owned by Wyre Forest District Council in Stourport could be transferred to the town council as part of plans to protect community services and save money.

The public toilets at Riverside Meadows, the riverside paddling pool and Britannia Gardens play area are just three of the facilities set to transfer ownership as part of Wyre Forest District Council's Localism agenda.

Negotiations are also under way for Stourport Town Council to take on the open space between Foundry Street and Worcester Street, Lloyds Meadow by the riverside and the land where the Elizabeth Mills Centre is built.

Councillor Helen Dyke, Wyre Forest District Council’s cabinet member culture, leisure and community protection, said: “We are delighted with the progress we have made.

"By working closely with Stourport Town Council, we are getting agreements in place to hand over some of the key assets in the town.

"Our Localism initiative is a fantastic opportunity to bring services closer to communities and can give real purpose to the work of town and parish councillors.

"Often, they can deliver local services more efficiently and economically than we can.

"The financial pressures on the district council are very large and, unless we work closely with town councils and other local organisations, funding for some community based services will reduce or even end. This is not something we want to do, so our localism strategy enables us to explore new ways to deliver them.”

The district council is also planning to surrender its lease of the Lickhill Community Centre, which is located within the town council's Memorial Park.

Wyre Forest Council's agreement to maintain the multi-use games area in Areley Kings has now ended and the town council has taken over responsibility for the facility.

Meanwhile Stourport Town Council is looking to run more events in the town. It already organises the Three Kings Parade at Christmas and is in the process of setting up a new events committee.

One of the events it is considering running in future is the popular Country and Western Festival and Rock and Roll event at the Riverside. This year, the events did not take place due to Covid-19 restrictions.

Councillor Ken Henderson, Mayor of Stourport said: “This is a great opportunity for the community to take ownership of community facilities and become more involved with the running of them.

"We think this is a really positive move and by working with the district council we can continue to provide local services for local people.”

The Shuttle reported on Tuesday that Wyre Forest District Council is proposing to reduce its overall size and potentially cut staff and sell its office in Kidderminster in an effort to plug a funding gap of £2.7 million over the next three years.

It is hoped that by transferring assets, the facilities and services will be protected going forwards, while the council will be able to reduce its spending.

The council is supporting town and parish councils to take ownership of assets or to run services in the form of grants.

Anyone wishing to join the Stourport Town Council events committee should contact Stourport Town Council on enquiries@stourporttowncouncil.gov.uk or call 01562 732551.