Traders on Kidderminster's Comberton Hill have had their livelihoods under threat from unwelcome council plans. As part of plans to redevelop Kidderminster's station, the council wanted to remove a number of 30 minute parking bays outside shops opposite the station entrance, thus depriving the business of passing trade.
Mark Garnier, Wyre Forest's MP, stepped in to help. Having met with all the traders in April, Mark organised local Conservatives to deliver over 2,000 surveys to local residents seeking their views. After Wyre Forest returned Mark as their local MP, he then went to speak with planning and road officers at Worcestershire County Council making a strong case in favour of the businesses and common sense. This was followed up with meetings and telephone calls with traders. Meanwhile local traders organised a 2,000 name petition against the traffic lights.
The council has now announced that the new traffic lights no longer form part of the plans.
Speaking of the decision, Mark said "This is a victory for common sense. Whilst I wholly welcome the plans for the redevelopment of Kidderminster Station - plans that may see up to £4 million invested into an integral transport hub for our town - I was dead against anything that could damage local businesses. Our local economy has always been at the heart of my plans so it was vital to find a way forward that would not be detrimental to local businesses. And the good news is that the council seems to have listened to me and the views of local traders and residents."
Plans for the redevelopment of Kidderminster's station are on hold as the new coalition government undertakes the Comprehensive Spending Review. With the legacy of Labour's thirteen years in office being the nation's finances in tatters, many projects have had to be suspended whilst the government looks for spending priorities.