Stourbridge Business Watch group aims to unite town traders

West Midlands Police has said it is backing the new group which held its first meet at The Talbot Hotel on Wednesday (October 18).

Representatives from around 20 businesses, ranging from beauticians to charity shop workers and restaurateurs, met with councillors, police and Stourbridge MP Suzanne Webb to share ideas about how to tackle issues in the town.

Police said the group has been forged so traders in the town can get together through a regular forum and talk about issues that matter and how they can work together with other agencies to bring about benefits.

The first meeting of the new Stourbridge Business Watch group held at The Talbot Hotel on October 18 (Image: West Midlands Police)

Sergeant Imran Mohammed, from Stourbridge Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “We were happy to help set up the Stourbridge Business Watch and are keen to support the group moving forward.

“Thriving businesses benefit the local community and the people behind them are just as concerned about crime as anyone else.”

Police said it is hoped the group can play an active role in helping to deal with social problems and other issues impacting upon the town and surrounding community.

Sgt Mohammed added: “We know the members of the group, many of whom are residents or live nearby, also want to work on things like improving the look of the town, offering opportunity, attracting more people in and encouraging further investment.

“We can all contribute to making where we work, live and socialise appealing and I hope Stourbridge Business Watch will play a big part in that.”

Stourbridge Business Watch has now set up a WhatsApp group for members and their next meeting will take place at The Talbot Hotel, High Street, Stourbridge, on Wednesday November 15 at 6pm.

Businesses interested in attending and joining the group can email stourbridge@westmidlands.police.uk.