Dudley Council chiefs have pledged to work together with the newly formed Stourbridge BID on improvement plans for the town centre.

The new Business Improvement District came into force on April 1 after 77% of votes cast by town centre business bosses were in favour of the move. 

The vote will mean that around £835,000 will be generated over the next five years to be spent on supporting businesses and improving the town centre. 

Council bosses have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Stourbridge BID team. It commits both parties to press ahead together with improvement plans for the town centre. 

The cash comes from a levy imposed on businesses on top of existing business rates. Councillor Paul Bradley, deputy leader of the council and a director of Stourbridge BID, said: “As a council we have seen the huge difference the creation of a BID can make to a town in Halesowen. 

“For that reason we were happy to back a similar BID in Stourbridge, and the signing of the MoU is a commitment from both parties to work together to drive improvements in the town centre.

“It is an exciting opportunity for business bosses to have an influence on making positive improvements to their towns. “I think it will be a huge boost for Stourbridge, an opportunity to drive more trade and footfall to the town and create new jobs.” 

Aaron Powell, chair of Stourbridge BID said: “We’re proud to officially launch Stourbridge BID and to have the strong backing of both local businesses and Dudley Council. 

“The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding marks the start of a new chapter for Stourbridge town centre, one where collaboration and shared vision will deliver real, lasting improvements.

“We’re committed to making Stourbridge a vibrant, welcoming, and thriving destination for businesses, residents and visitors alike.”