HALESOWEN BID has opened a new base - which will also act as a community hub - in the town centre.

The team, made up of BID manager Vicky Rogers and ambassador Ellie Hunt, are based at 1, Hagley St, which had once been a fruit shop and also an estate agents.

The ribbon was cut on the new office on Friday by the Mayor of Dudley councillor David Stanley at a ceremony also attended by James Morris MP, local businesses, police teams and other agencies.

The mayor praised the BID for all the hard work it's doing to revive the town centre and support local businesses and James Morris MP toasted the team.

Vicky said: "In true community spirit the mayor, MP, BID team and Asda staff celebrated by performing the Macarena as it was national dance day too!

"The BID office will also be a community hub and we would like to encourage local community groups to use our office space for meetings.

"The college will be holding community beauty, pet care and mental health courses to name a few.

"We're excited to announce that the hub will also be a 'Playlist for life' help point.

"This is fantastic as we work towards becoming a Dementia Friendly Community.

"We will be holding playlist sessions each month where those living with dementia can be supported to make their own playlist and use the power of music as therapy."

The Playlist for Life charity uses music to connect with deeply embedded memories of dementia sufferers.

Music can be tailored directly to the needs of an individual living with dementia, allowing them to reconnect with loved ones.

Business Improvement Districts are created through a ballot process to deliver additional services to local businesses. Each business across the BID area has to pay a 1.25 per cent levy towards BID work which aims to attract interest and investment to the town.