ALCESTER residents are desperately needed to help form part of a steering group which will help the town secure a stash of cash designed to boost rural economies, writes Helen Clarke.

The town has been earmarked to receive money as part of the Government's Rural White Paper naming 43 market towns throughout the country which could each receive up to £1 million.

Alcester has to put forward bids for projects which it thinks are deserving of funding and last week, a meeting was held to form a group which could help move this forward.

But before bids can be put forward, a 'health check' needs to be carried out to identify what is needed in the town and what would make life better for Alcestrians. This has to be completed within just a few months.

At the next meeting, names will be nominated and then voted on.