A MEETING has been called to discuss the future of Rubery's shopping centre - following the results of a survey on village trade.

Shopkeepers want a cleaner parish, better public transport services, new shops and more help from banks and financial institutions.

These are the findings of a questionnaire sent to New Road businesses by Rubery councillors in March, and the community leaders have now organised a meeting to discuss the issues raised.

The organisers, who serve on Bromsgrove District Council, said 11 businesses responded - 18 per cent of those sent the survey.

Labour leader Cllr Peter McDonald said fifty per cent of shopkeepers felt the local refuse collection met their needs, businesses were evenly divided over whether street lighting is adequate and many said broken pavements and potholes are not repaired quickly enough.

Fifty per cent of businesses felt they do not get enough support from police, banks, financial institutions and Government funded organisations.

Seventy per cent of traders want better parking in the area and some shopkeepers said improved public transport services would boost trade.

Cllr McDonald told the Advertiser/Messenger there was a marked lack of knowledge of the services provided by the district council - with over ninety per cent having no view on licensing and town planning.

The majority of businesses feel Rubery does now receive its fair share of investment.

Strong support was recorded for new shops, particularly those selling books, music, computers, clothes and shoes.

The meeting for businesses is on Wednesday, May 29 at Rubery Youth and Community Centre, in New Road, at 7.00pm.