PEOPLE in Stourport are being asked if they have any ideas on how best to spend half-a-million pounds.

The windfall cash is ready to be pumped into the town after a successful bid to a regeneration fund. Anyone who lives or works there can have a say on where the money should go.Derek Fradgley, at Stourport Bridge, wants residents' views on how to spend half-a-million pounds.

"We hope everyone will take advantage of this opportunity to tell us what they want to happen in their town," said Derek Fradgley, chairman of the Town Centre Forum.

The project is called Stourport Forward and work is already under way on a "healthcheck" which aims to paint a picture of what's good and what's bad about the town.

An exhibition based on the findings is due to be held in the Civic Hall in New Street on November 21 from 2pm-9pm - the same day as the Christmas lights are switched on. A personal invitation is being delivered to every household in the DY 13 postcode area.

"Stourport is very vibrant but there must be loads of things people can think of," Mr Fradgley said. "The money is there to be spent. We have to make important decisions about how to ensure the revitalisation of Stourport, the creation of sustainable employment and to secure a proper future for us all."

Stourport won the cash after its third bid to be awarded Market Town status by Government funding agency Advantage West Midlands.

People in the surrounding areas or anyone who works in the town can also say what they think by writing to Derek Fradgley at PO Box 2725, Stourport DY13 8QH or log on to the website at www.markettowns.org.

An action plan will be drawn up and spending is due to start soon after April next year.