PLANS to stimulate further economic growth across Worcestershire have received the thumbs-up from a county MP.

Harriett Baldwin, member for West Worcestershire, has been briefed on the latest blueprint by Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership chairman Mark Stansfeld, including investment planned at Malvern Hills Science Park and crucial road projects across the county. The pair also discussed proposals to improve broadband and mobile phone connections and the need to improve train journey times to and from London and the South East.

Mrs Baldwin said: "It was very helpful to catch up with Mark and discuss the longer term plans for encouraging inward investment to the county. The Malvern Hills Science Park is very much the jewel in the crown and there is huge growth potential for businesses of all sizes. The local business-led enterprise partnership is clearly very supportive of the expansion plan there and I welcome the long-term aim to bring the brightest and best companies into the area."

Mr Stansfeld added: “We had a very successful meeting and discussed a number of schemes that are already contributing to the delivery of our strategic economic plan as well as work taking place to secure additional investment for Worcestershire and our plans for the future.

“Work is progressing well on phase five of Malvern Hills Science Park with £4m investment from the LEP via our growth deal. We have also recently submitted a bid to Government for an additional £35m for a range of initiatives to benefit the county’s economy including the potential for further investment in Malvern Hills Science Park and the surrounding area and we very much welcome Harriett’s continued support.”