Economic plan an ‘exciting opportunity' for Walsall

Walsall Council has drawn up an Economic Strategy and Action Plan and it is hoped this will address key concerns and challenges faced by residents.

Bosses said the document sets out plans to revamp the town centre, help young people gain vital skills, provide better housing, bring empty properties back into use and improve job opportunities.

They said it was drawn up on the back of the consultation for the We Are Walsall 2040 project, in which people told the authority they wanted a better economy and employment prospects along with regeneration.

At a cabinet meeting, Walsall Council deputy leader Adrian Andrew said: “This is an incredibly important document to set out the economic strategy, not only for the council but for the town centre and the whole borough.

“It’s very important to bring these strands together in order for us to have this document that sets out where we can strengthen the economy, create more jobs and bring derelict sites back into use.

“This will be a living document which investors – both public and private – can look at and see where their investment is needed and most welcome.”

Councillor Mark Statham, portfolio holder for education and skills, added: “I welcome the emphasis within the strategy on the further expansion of both vocational and apprenticeship training.

“This will enable and establish a higher level of skills among young people who are entering the jobs market.

“Walsall needs to retain its young people by equipping them with the skills they need to secure good well paid jobs within our borough.”

Council leader Mike Bird said: “The economic strategy in difficult times as we face them is probably one of the most important documents that Walsall is producing at this point.

“What we’ve got to do is make sure our economic strategy fills in with funding from Government and draws in money from the private sector.

“I hope people will see this as an exciting opportunity rather than talking down the current economy.”