THOUSANDS of pounds are on offer to tempt people into starting up small businesses in empty shops across Wyre Forest.

District council economic regeneration portfolio holder Councillor Howard Martin said getting the premises occupied was essential to make Stourport an attractive tourist town, with Bridge Street a particular problem area.

He also wants to ensure the older part of Kidderminster is not forgotten with the new multi-million pound Weavers Wharf town centre development due to come on line within a few months.

The area around the indoor market, taking in Oxford Street and Worcester Street, will be a focus for the initiativewhich will run for about nine months.

A review into its success will then be carried out to determine whether to continue.

Mr Martin said: "Hopefully it will galvanise people into action as it is only a short term thing."

Grants of £1,000 - the equivalent of two months' rate relief - will be offered to encourage people thinking of setting up a small business or shop in one of the unused units.

"We would like to do more but we haven't got the funds. We're making the best of what we have got.

"It's a massive commitment, something completely unique for this council. It's something I have wanted to do for a long time," Mr Martin said.

Empty shops indicate "deprivation and a lack of investment" he said, adding something like an antiques or bookshop, or a new restaurant, in Bridge Street would give "a feeling of vibrancy" and help make Stourport more attractive.

"There has been some concern shown by residents - this is our response. We're doing something positive.

"We want to get away from people thinking all the council does is sweep streets," said Mr Martin who pledged the initiative was aimed at small businesses rather than "multi-national companies".

The scheme, approved by the council's executive on Tuesday night, will be funded from a £45,000 economic development budget.

The council has also allocated £10,000 to give start-up grants of up to £500 each to new small businesses in the district.

Mr Martin said the effects of the council's investment in economic development would be really noticeable in two or three years.