Dudley town centre's shop fronts are in line for a spruce-up

Some of Dudley's most historic frontages could also be protected under council plans.

It will see proposals for new or altered shop fronts or signage to 'contribute to the overall appearance and character' of the streets.

Fountain Arcade, Stone Street and Priory Street are given as examples in the Shopfront and Advertisement Supplementary Planning Document (SPD).

The report states: "Well-designed shopfronts and adverts not only serve positively to enhance the character of a property and upgrade the appearance of the street scene, they are an essential contributor/supporter of retail health. The creation of quality streets can materially improve the commercial viability of an area and the business's within that area and its attractiveness to investment.

"Fountain Arcade in Dudley Town Centre is an excellent example of an early 20th century covered pedestrian shopping alley designed to be a comfortable and stylish shopping experience away from the dirt and clatter of the street."

Improvements or replacements of shopfronts are also claimed to 'maximise opportunities to improve character and appearance'.

But traditional designs will also be encouraged to be kept.

The report continues: "Proposals for new or replacement shopfronts will be encouraged to retain and incorporate surviving elements considered worthy of retention. Where previous alterations or additions have resulted in features of interest being obscured or concealed by a more modern fascia, owners and operators are encouraged to remove the more modern sign and reveal and restore these traditional elements."

It comes as it was announced recently that Birdcage Walk is being lined up for a revamp to help fill empty shops and breathe new life into the area.

The vision for that area and other streets near the bus station, includes redesigning outdated shop frontages and demolishing the former Co-op which has been empty for more than two years. However, businesswoman Mary Law has previously raised her concerns for the council to 'step up' in a bid to bring more shoppers.

She said: "If we become a ghost town it will affect all small traders. Now is the time that we really need to support each other.We all struggle to meet overheads.

"I've been here for 25 years, and we used to have 12 to 13 people in a day. Today we had four. There just isn't the footfall any more. What is there for people to come to Dudley for?"