A PUBLIC meeting is being held in Rubery to discuss the future of the village centre and how it can be improved.
It follows stories in the Bromsgrove Standard about the state of Rubery’s New Road and the revelation that there maybe funding available to tap into to invest into the high street.
Everyone is welcome to the informal get-together, which will feature representatives from Bromsgrove District and Worcestershire County Councils, neighbourhood watch members, traders and people from Rubery Village Business Association.
At the meeting, at 7pm on June 25 at Beacon Church Centre, Rubery residents will be asked about how they would like to see the village centre in the future.
Rev Ian Ring, who is chairing the meeting, said: “Twenty years ago, plans were drawn up to improve Rubery centre – that was before my time and I’m not sure why it never happened.
“On June 25, we want as many people as possible to come along to this community meeting and put forward their views and ideas for what they would like to see happen in the village.”
He added rather than issues, such as dog mess and litter, this meeting would be about the village centre itself.
“I know there are a lot of concerns, such as why some shops stay empty for so long and the general appearance of the village centre – these are the things we want to address.”
Coun Peter McDonald, who is both a county councillor and district councillor, said he was pleased at long last representatives from both authorities had agreed to attend a public meeting on the future of Rubery’s high street.
“It has been some 20 years since a penny has been invested in Rubery high street and something needs to be done to stop the decline and regenerate the area.
“Both authorities need to understand that the world does not revolve around Bromsgrove Town Centre, but there is life elsewhere.
“Rubery has been neglected for far too long and the time has come to return some of the council tax to Rubery to stop the decline.
“This public meeting gives the opportunity to residents to air their views and the council to respond by informing residents just what they intend to do to stop its decline.”
