CLEOBURY Mortimer is expecting at least £500,000 in aid under the Market Towns Initiative and a partnership group has been set up to oversee the spending.

The initiative is funded by Advantage West Midlands and will focus on economic issues as well as social and environmental concerns.

Chaired by Dr Chris Dimond, the partnership has more than 30 members representing a wide range of organisations within the town and the surrounding area. A steering group has been set up and is working to produce a strategy plan for presentation to AWM early in 2004.

The partnership wants to appoint a regeneration officer to work jointly with the Ludlow Partnership in developing plans for economic projects that will bring new businesses and new jobs into the area.

Any Cleobury resident who is in interested in the initiative or who has expertise in consultancy themes is welcome to join the working groups. Contact Chris Dimond on 01299 270834.