Have your say on future of Walsall town centre

People living in the borough can now have their say, and help shape the future of Walsall by providing their thoughts on key new plans for the centre.

Bosses at Walsall Council are asking for the public's opinion on how the area should be transformed, as the authority develops a Town Centre Masterplan.

They have released a survey asking people for their views and experiences of Walsall, and all residents are encouraged to take part.

Leader of the council Mike Bird said it was a way to find out 'what the people want'.

He said: "Like all town centres, there's been a reduction in the retail offer- so we're looking at what we can do to improve the town centre experience.

"We have promised to look at all options, we aren't wedded to a particular outcome - we just want to make it more attractive for people to come into.

"It could be that people want free parking, or more local artisan stores, or cleaning - it's figuring out what the people want."

Residents have reacted to news of the masterplan, with many giving their own ideas as to how the town centre could be improved.

Shop manager at Ryman's in the town centre, Martin Lockett, said: "It needs a lot of work and investment to put it right, building a new McDonald's isn't really going to help improve the town, it needs better shops, lower rates and rent to bring in footfall and it needs to be a lot safer around town."

Audit specialist Sam Thomas added: "Has the council thought about properly fixing the increasing potholes on the roads on Walsall? We need good roads to come to the town centre."

And resident Paul Brookes said: "Too many beggars either sitting down by places you need to visit, or coming up to you asking."

The survey can be accessed via Walsall Council's website and asks participants whether they visit the centre, how often, and for what reasons - whether it be shopping, a cinema trip, or dining out.

Survey users are also asked how they travel to the town, and what hobbies and activities they like to do in their spare time.

Visit twitter.com/WalsallCouncil and follow the link to the survey.