Minister meets with LEP for talks on draft economic plan

Minister hears of Marches’ track record during visit The Marches has a track record for delivering ‘big ticket’ infrastructure projects despite difficult economic conditions, Government Minster Greg Clark MP was told…
Minister hears of Marches’ track record during visit
The Marches has a track record for delivering ‘big ticket’ infrastructure projects despite difficult economic conditions, Government Minster Greg Clark MP was told during a visit to Telford to meet with the region’s LEP leaders.

Cities Minister Mr Clark toured the £250 million Southwater redevelopment in Telford following talks with the Marches LEP to discuss the partnership’s draft Strategic Economic Plan (SEP) published earlier this week.
The plan sets out how the Herefordshire, Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin region could, with the right private sector and Whitehall financial support, deliver more than 72,000 new homes and 40,000 new jobs.
Partnership Chairman and Telford businessman Graham Wynn OBE, who hosted the visit on Monday (Feb 3) , said: “We were delighted to welcome the Minister to the Marches and to be able not only to tell him about our track record in delivering infrastructure projects, but to show him a great example of what is already being achieved here.
“I was encouraged by our meeting, and our discussions on how a region like ours, with a large rural economy, can be a trailblazer. We have major infrastructure projects ongoing and in the pipeline, not just Southwater in Telford but also the £150m Riverside scheme in Shrewsbury and the city centre redevelopment in Hereford.
“These are proof that with the private support and financial levers, we can deliver the big ticket items which will create jobs, homes and grow the regional economy. We discussed the Marches strategic priorities, and what issues need addressing to allow this area to reach its potential.”
The Marches draft SEP has been submitted to Government for feedback and comments, which are also being invited from the region’s business community. A LEP conference will be held at the Wroxeter Hotel, near Shrewsbury, on February 25 between 5pm and 7.30pm where details of the draft plan will be presented. The plan will also be discussed at the Hereford Business Summit on February 28 from 8am to 11am at Holme Lacy House Hotel. Details of how to book will be released shortly.
The 100-page document can be viewed at www.marcheslep.org.uk and a consultation response form is available for download. Comments can also be sent to business.consultation@marcheslep.org.uk by the end of the month.
The final Strategic Economic Plan will be submitted to Government by the end of March.