As a former Halesowen councillor and Chairperson of Halesowen Area Committee, I noted with interest the regeneration plans, for Halesowen Area Committee's consideration.

With particular interest, I noted the inclusion of Shell Corner, Blackheath (Halesowen North Ward).

I remember well this Halesowen area requiring sufficient investment for regeneration.

It was fantastic to learn that the Labour Government has made money available for the long term development of this important gateway into the borough.

However, I have also noted the local Member of Parliament's concern over the length of time it is taking to start the work.

The money for the regeneration of Shell Corner was made available to the Conservative Council after the Unitary Development Plan was adopted in 2005.

Indeed the report to this month's Area Committee does have a sense of urgency, stating "Due to the urgency in starting the regeneration process, the decision was made to produce Regeneration Plans instead of a statutory planning document . . . a formal planning document would require a more extensive time period in which to be developed and adopted."

It also states that The Draft Shell Corner Local Regeneration Plan is not expected to be available until summer 2008 for more consultation.

Further stating that the Shell Corner Regeneration Plan needs approval at the earliest opportunity.

It is clear from the report that Shell Corner is seen as a priority re-development as a local centre in the borough. This was formally recognised in February 2006 but public consultation did not begin until Spring 2007, lasting until January 2008.

Whilst consultation of interested parties is essential to any regeneration scheme, very often funding is only available for a limited time.

The issues the regeneration plan will aim to address includes traffic congestion, lack of car parking, poor physical environment, high numbers of shop vacancies and lack of investment within the local centre.

Through help from Government funding the Shell Corner Regeneration Plan will greatly improve the economic, social and environmental well being of the area.

At Halesowen Area Committee none of the local Conservative councillors spoke in support of the Shell Corner Regeneration or acknowledged the sense of urgency expressed in the report. And none of them expressed any gratitude for Government funding of the scheme.

In January over 90 local residents and businesses attended a community consultation event. This shows the importance of the Regeneration of Shell Corner to the local community.

The Regeneration Plan must meet any deadlines. It is a long over due scheme which the area desperately needs.

Furthermore, Shell Corner has the potential to become an impressive entrance into the borough of Dudley.

Richard Lloyd, Former Chairperson Halesowen Area Committee