WORDSLEY Councillor Paul Brothwood has called on all local entrepreneurs to take advantage of a cash fund for people planning to set up shop.

Around £16,000 is available for anyone who is considering bringing a vacant shop back to life.

The money has been provided through the Empty Shop Grant High Street Innovation Fund, which is designed to try and revitalise local high streets throughout Dudley borough.

By bringing vacant shops back into use, it's believed it will help bring much needed jobs and investment into the area.

The money is currently on offer through the Kingswinford North and Wall Heath plus the Kingswinford South and Wordsley Community Forum.

Cllr Brothwood said: "I urge people to come forward and make use of this public money to help improve our local community.

"The funding could also act as a catalyst for further investment to be ploughed into the area, which would in turn generate jobs and further opportunities."

He is also trying to encourage more people to attend the Community Forum meetings to find out what is happening in the area: "The Community Forum also has additional funds available to help local projects and good causes. It's important that people seize upon this."