THE NEW head of Dudley Council dropped by Shell Corner to listen to concerns including the need for parking, poor quality pavements and weeds and litter.

The council's chief executive Kevin O’ Keefe visited Shell Corner local centre on a fact-finding visit to talk to traders and residents to better understand local issues.

The visit was organised by local councillors Hilary Bills and Parmjit Sahota as part of the ongoing campaign to kick-start improvements to Shell Corner and improve council services in the ward.

Kevin was shown the new homes being built in the ward off Nimmings Road and then walked along Nimmings Road to Shell Corner Centre, on the visit earlier this month.

Cllr Sahota said: "He could see first-hand the need to improve the parking provision at the centre and the poor environment that exists with poor quality pavements, weeds and litter at the centre and surrounding streets."

The walkabout also looked at other key issues that concern local residents like speeding, improved street cleansing, better highways maintenance and improving green spaces like Hope Street open space.

Cllr Sahota added: "Kevin spoke to a number of local traders during the walkabout to listen to their concerns and then held a brief meeting with some traders and residents at the local bar Shell-ter.

"It was evident from the discussions with local residents and traders, they felt aggrieved at the ongoing neglect of the centre and the area and requested parking provision and poor environment are now looked into."

Cllr Bills and Sahota both said “they felt the walkabout proved very useful in highlighting stubborn regeneration and other community issues that local traders and residents feel need to be addressed and welcomed the commitment from Dudley MBC new CEO Kevin O’ Keefe support to progress things going forward."