NEW businesses setting up shop in Dudley have given the town a huge boost.

In the last six months, 14 businesses including shops, a bakery, a restaurant and a pub have opened and town centre bosses say this is the start of a much hoped for turn-around for the town.

The latest additions include The Glasshouse bistro in Stone Street Square, the Dessert Corner pudding and ice cream cafe in New Street, a property business, two dress shops, a florist, a bakery and the opening of the Black Country T Shirts shop on Castle Street.

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                   Paul Palmer, Steve Pitts and Steve Edwards from Black Country T Shirts

Councillor Khurshid Ahmed, cabinet member for planning and economic development, said the influx of new businesses was "a fantastic start for 2016".

He the completion of the £6.7m regeneration of Dudley town centre, which was part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund, had seen "so much done to enrich the town centre" from improving buildings to adding artwork and lighting systems.

In addition, £2.8 million has been invested into restoring key historic buildings in Dudley town centre to create or safeguard jobs as part of the Townscape Heritage Initiative.

Cllr Ahmed said: "We hope this is the start of a continued upward trend.”

Steve Edwards, who runs the Facebook page, The Only Way Is Dudley, said he believes the town is "becoming the gem in our borough once again".

He said in addition to the businesses giving the town a boost, the restoration of the fountain, market improvements and statues of Duncan Edwards and Ben Boucher, which form part of the Dudley Time Trail were "showcasing the rich history and culture of our great town".

 

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The Duncan Edwards statue in Dudley town centre

Mr Edwards continued: "Just outside the town centre we have the fantastic Dudley Zoo and Black Country Museum, two of the best tourist attraction to visit, not only in the Black Country but in the whole country.

"Castle Gate is packed with top restaurants, a bowling alley and a cinema - there is even a great hotel if you are visiting from other areas or fancy a night away from home.

"Dudley town is ever improving and has a lot to offer. We have top tourist attractions, a great history and the people are the salt of the earth.

"The whole borough is on the up and we need to start shouting about it."

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Dudley Zoo attracts tourists to the town