TOWN traders are set to unite to breathe new life into a rundown area of Kidderminster.

Business people, Wyre Forest District Council representatives and the police attended a meeting at Kidderminster Library to discuss the future of Blackwell Street on Wednesday last week.

Phil Bowden, of Bells Domestic Appliances, who described the area as "dull," is set to head the Blackwell Street Revival Group to find ways of improving the street scene at the northern end of the town.

He said: "I think the area is dull and needs tidying up. It also needs ownership.

"Some of the emphasis has moved to Weaver's Wharf but we need to embrace these changes and move forward. Whatever's happened in the past we've now got to put it behind us."

The lack of traffic control and the need to tidy up the street scene to attract new businesses were among topics of discussion at the meeting.

Mr Bowden said he hoped the revival group would look at both the short-term and long-term issues.

There was discussion about making the street one-way, replacing the railings and looking at on-street parking.

Calls for extra litter bins and flower tubs have been cited as immediate investments in the area.

To set the ball rolling, Mr Bowden has initiated Blackwell Street in Bloom and is asking traders to get on board and place hanging baskets outside their stores.

Council leader, Stephen Clee said :"I think it's a great idea to look at improving the street scene with hanging baskets and additional litter bins and, as a local authority, we will do what we can to assist the group."

He added there might be some money that could be put aside in the council's budget to regenerate Blackwell Street, should people come forward with ideas.

The Blackwell Street Revival Group will next meet at Natural Break in Blackwell Street at 7.30pm on Monday, July 3. Traders in the area are welcome to attend.

For further information, call Mr Bowden on 01299 400187.