REDDITCH MP Rachel Maclean recently met with the Financial Secretary to the Treasury to discuss the future of Redditch.

The MP has taken the issue of town centre regeneration to the highest ranks of Government to find out what support is available for towns, such as Redditch, to make them more attractive places to live, visit and invest.

During her meeting, with Mel Stride, it was confirmed that last year the Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond said Redditch Borough Council would receive £5million to help revitalise the town centre - something exclusively reported by the Advertiser.

A business case needs to be submitted by Redditch Council in order to access the £5million.

Mrs Maclean said: “Since I was first elected I’ve spoken to hundreds of residents here in Redditch who are crying out for the borough council to unlock the full potential of our town centre.

“The Government is playing its part in helping to revitalise the town centre and I would urge Redditch Council bosses to get on with submitting the business case as soon as possible to access the £5million.

She added: “We live in a fantastic town which has so much to offer us all, but we could do so much better.

“Our town centre really could be a shopping destination which rivals Longbridge, Solihull and Birmingham, and offer a vibrant night life with bars and restaurants to attract residents and visitors of all ages."