A DISTRICT councillor is urging residents to rally round to help improve their area of Kidderminster.

Howard Martin, of Health Concern, is calling for people living in Clensmore Street, Broad Street, York Street, Shelley Avenue and Stoney Lane, as well as nearby streets, to set up a community group.

Councillor Martin, who represents Broadwaters on Wyre Forest District Council, wants them to work together to tackle some of the issues facing residents, as well as improving their quality of life.

He said it would help to create "a community spirit" and give people the chance to share and discuss their ideas, as well as their concerns.

One suggestion he had was a playground which, he believed, the area desperately needed. He said: "All around that area, children play in the street. There is not a proper place for them to go. There is a lot of empty industrial space in Clensmore Street."

He added one option would be for the council to make it a condition for anyone developing the land to contribute money to community schemes.

Other issues he thought could be tackled by the group were concerns about speeding traffic and noise caused by nearby factory units.

His idea followed residents' objections to a retrospective planning application submitted by pallet manufacturers and distributor, PRS, which was refused by the council on Tuesday, June 13.

He said the residents' group would enable people to work with the business to try and solve some of the issues.

Mr Martin said he did not want to be chairman as he wanted it to be solely a residents' group but would offer his support. He wanted to hold a public meeting for residents to discuss ideas.

Anyone interested can contact Mr Martin on 01562 67338.