There are a number of indicators of how successful a local economy really is - employment (and unemployment) figures, new business starts, and construction activity are just a few. All these indicators look good for Wyre Forest (although I would never be complacent about any of them).
Unemployment has more than halved since 2010, we have seen new busineses start and we are seeing a number of new companies locate to the area - most notably the Indian car parts manufacturer Amtec, bring 500 jobs to the district. Construction is also booming locally with many new houses being built across the district as well as big investments. The safari park is making a very significant investment in a water park and conference facility that will also create around 300 jobs. Kidderminster's town centre will be revitalised with a £30 million investment that will clear away Crown House and provide a far better town centre that will attract more visitors and so more opportunity to local traders. One development, announced this week, is home grown and also very welcome.
Across the district are a number of council owned leisure centres. These are somewhat tired and run down and because of the aged technology are expensive to run. I use the Glades from time to time to play squash (not terribly well) and whilst I have fond memories of election counts, the squash facilities are less than ideal. So it was with great enthusiasm that I learnt of the proposals from Wyre Forest District Council to invest in a brand new facility for the whole district, located centrally at the new Silverwoods site (another area of intense development at the heart of the district, formerly a derelict sugar beet refinery).
The development will be made possible by a £2 million grant from Sport England. Because of this grant, and the support from Sport England and the National Lottery, we will all benefit from not just improved facilities with significantly more energy efficient buildings, but will also see a reduction in the burden on the council tax payer in Wyre Forest to sports facilities.
I am delighted by what has been announced and am incredibly grateful to the work of both the council and the support it has received from the National Lottery fund and Sport England.
We had four Olympic athletes from Wyre Forest in 2012. With these facilities, I am optimistic we will continue to punch above our weight with world class competitors.