Government urged to back Telford bid to create 5,000 jobs

ERIC Pickles MP – the secretary of state for communities and local government – has been urged to back Telford & Wrekin Council’s bid to create 5,000 new jobs in the borough in the next five years.

Councillors, Telford MP David Wright and Marches Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) chairman Graham Wynn hosted Pickles as he toured the £250m Southwater development.

Pickles’ visit followed a direct invitation made to him earlier this year in the House of Commons by Telford MP David Wright.

Telford & Wrekin Council used the opportunity to highlight how it is attracting inward investment, creating jobs, building new homes and supporting existing businesses to expand.

The local authority is asking Pickles for a percentage of the Homes and Communities Agency’s capital receipts for land it sells and also for a greater retention of business rates via the LEP.

The council says it would use this funding to further invest in encouraging businesses to come to Telford and in maintaining the borough’s infrastructure to ensure it continues to be an attract place to invest.

Telford & Wrekin Council leader Councillor Kuldip Sahota said: “Our pitch to the secretary of state was simple – this is about jobs, jobs and jobs.

“We are being urged to find new solutions to the financial challenges we face and we are doing something about this. Our focus on growth is part of a radical solution that will help both the borough and the Government by generating extra income for both.

“We demonstrated to the Secretary of State that we are a forward-thinking authority that is not dwelling on the need for cuts but instead we are concentrating on stimulating investment, growth and creating jobs.”

Southwater is scheduled to open to the public in spring 2014 and will include an 11 screen IMAX Cineworld, a hotel, restaurants and bars. There will also be a new multi storey car park, library and the Southwater One community building.

Click here to sign up to receive our new South West business news...
Close