New benches for Stourbridge church's public gardens

Three wooden benches have been installed at St Thomas’ Church Public Gardens on Market Street through a collaboration between Stourbridge Business Improvement District (BID) and West Bromwich Building Society.

A £505 community grant was awarded through the building society’s Mercian Community Trust scheme, which supports community projects across the West Midlands.

Stuart Jones, Branch Manager at West Brom Building Society’s Stourbridge branch, said: "I am so pleased that the West Brom Building Society have been able to support Stourbridge BID with a grant.

"We always want to be at the forefront of the communities our branches serve, and having a branch in Stourbridge means we will be able to see these funds work for the people of Stourbridge, fellow businesses, and the town as a whole."

The new benches replace older seating that had deteriorated over time, making the gardens a more comfortable and welcoming place for residents, workers, students, and visitors.

Stourbridge BID coordinated the project, from the ordering of the benches to their delivery and installation, working in partnership with St Thomas’ Church to ensure the improvements complemented the historic setting of the gardens.

Aaron Powell, chair of Stourbridge BID, said: "We are extremely grateful to West Bromwich Building Society for their generous community grant to Stourbridge BID.

"Support like this enables us to continue delivering projects that enhance the town centre and benefit the businesses, residents and visitors who make Stourbridge such a vibrant place.

"We sincerely thank the Building Society for backing our work in the BID area."

The scheme supports Stourbridge BID’s wider goal of investing in shared spaces to create a more attractive and vibrant town centre.

Stourbridge BID is a business-led partnership funded by a levy on businesses in the town centre.

Its projects focus on promoting the area, boosting the local economy, and improving the public realm.